can be wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be wide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to have a large width or extent, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The range of options available to us can be wide, allowing for greater flexibility in our decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The swings in value can be wide.

The New York Times

"Bandwidth can be wide open or a soda straw.

The New York Times

Still, the gap between promise and delivery can be wide.

The New York Times

You have to go to sleep so you can be wide awake for school tomorrow.

The New Yorker

Hey, a quick twist of the computer and her eyes can be wide open.

The New York Times

But there can be wide variability in caffeine levels, even in similar beverages.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

These consequences can be wide-ranging and affect all aspects of life.

The Guardian

As the success of the Bay City Rollers proved, good taste can be wide-ranging and open-minded.

The Guardian - Music

Problems can be wide-ranging, from seizures, to difficulty walking and learning, to hearing loss and vision difficulties.

The Guardian

Studies show that for children who live with fear, violence and abuse, there can be wide-reaching effects.

The Guardian

Depending on which part of the system malfunctions, the symptoms can be wide-ranging and confusing, as well as debilitating.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be wide", ensure the context clearly defines what is being described as having a wide range or scope. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be wide" without providing context or examples. Overgeneralization can make the statement vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be wide" functions as a qualifying expression, indicating a potential for something to possess a broad scope or range. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing variability or extent. It suggests that the subject is not always broad, but has the potential to be so.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be wide" effectively conveys the potential for something to have a broad scope or range. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When employing "can be wide", ensure that the context provides sufficient clarity regarding what is being described, and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "may be broad" or "could be extensive" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be broad

Changes the auxiliary verb from "can" to "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a capability.

could be extensive

Replaces "wide" with "extensive", implying a large scope or coverage.

might be considerable

Substitutes "wide" with "considerable", indicating a significant amount or degree.

can be expansive

Uses "expansive" instead of "wide", suggesting a broad and comprehensive nature.

may be far-reaching

Replaces "wide" with "far-reaching", implying a broad impact or influence.

could be comprehensive

Changes "wide" to "comprehensive", indicating a complete and thorough nature.

might be substantial

Uses "substantial" instead of "wide", suggesting a significant size or amount.

can be all-encompassing

Replaces "wide" with "all-encompassing", implying that something covers a great range.

may be inclusive

Substitutes "wide" with "inclusive", indicating the inclusion of a large variety of things.

might be diverse

Uses "diverse" instead of "wide", highlighting variety and difference.

FAQs

What does "can be wide" mean?

The phrase "can be wide" generally suggests that something has the potential to have a broad range, scope, or extent. It implies variability and inclusivity of diverse elements or possibilities.

How to use "can be wide" in a sentence?

You can use "can be wide" to describe a variety of things, for example: "The gap between expectations and reality "can be wide"" or "The range of potential solutions "can be wide" depending on the problem".

What are some alternatives to "can be wide"?

Some alternatives to "can be wide" include phrases like "may be broad", "could be extensive", or "might be considerable", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "can be wide" or "is wide"?

"Can be wide" suggests a potential or possibility for something to be wide, whereas "is wide" states a current condition. The better choice depends on whether you're describing a potential or actual state.