can be widening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be widening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has the potential to expand or increase in scope or size. Example: "The gap between the rich and the poor can be widening if economic policies do not change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There can be widening between the pedicles, facet joints, or spinous processes (Fig. 3).

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The application limits of EC4 can be widened to cover solutions of columns with broader properties.

Thin-Walled Structures

The scope of the economic freedoms provided for by the EC Treaty can be widened by action of the Council.

Columbia University

(On site they can be widened slightly with "saddlebags," cantilevered boxes deep enough for fireplaces and closets).

The New York Times

As a result, the acceptance angle can be widened up to 250 mrad in horizontal and 63 mrad in vertical.

Infrared Physics & Technology

The effects of such poisoning can be widened because cough syrup is frequently abused by people who use it to get high.

The New York Times

But Cowan had already solved that issue, explaining that the goal size can be widened or narrowed to suit gardens of varying sizes.

The Guardian

"Once we have evidence of the levels of demand, we will then consider whether the criteria can be widened beyond those opting for a vocational specialism".

The Guardian

By "embedding education as a non-threatening pop culture", they say, access can be widened to anyone willing to walk into a bar, sit down and listen.

The Guardian

"Decisions on access to that archive are made by BP but the university has undertaken to talk with BP about how they make those decisions and whether access can be widened," said a spokesman for Warwick.

The Guardian - Business

It's ironic that Los Angeles is warning drivers about a shutdown of a major freeway so it can be widened, which will only lead to more traffic congestion down the road.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be widening" to describe situations where an increase or expansion is possible, but not yet certain. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the widening.

Common error

Avoid using "can be widening" when a situation is already definitively expanding. Instead, use stronger verbs or descriptive language that reflects the confirmed state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be widening" functions as a verb phrase expressing potential or possibility. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness. It describes a state that may be in the process of expanding or increasing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be widening" is a grammatically sound construction used to express the possibility of an increase or expansion. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its occurrence is rare. Usage contexts range from news and media to scientific articles and business communications. Alternatives like "could be expanding" or "may be increasing" offer similar meanings with slight variations in certainty. When using this phrase, ensure that the context suggests a potential, rather than definite, widening.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be expanding

Replaces "can" with "could", softening the certainty of the widening.

may be increasing

Substitutes "can" with "may" and "widening" with "increasing", suggesting a possibility rather than a definite action.

might be growing

Replaces "can" with "might" and "widening" with "growing", indicating a lower probability of expansion.

has the potential to widen

Rephrases to emphasize the potential for widening, rather than the action itself.

is liable to expand

Uses "liable" to suggest a tendency to expand.

is prone to increasing

Employs "prone" to indicate a susceptibility to increasing.

is susceptible to expansion

Focuses on the susceptibility to expansion.

is apt to grow

Utilizes "apt" to convey a natural tendency to grow.

tends to get wider

Uses "tends" to express a habitual action of getting wider.

has the capacity to broaden

Highlights the capacity to broaden, emphasizing ability.

FAQs

How can I use "can be widening" in a sentence?

Use "can be widening" to describe a potential increase or expansion. For example, "The gap between supply and demand "can be widening" if production doesn't increase."

What are some alternatives to "can be widening"?

Alternatives include "could be expanding", "may be increasing", or "has the potential to widen", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can be widen" instead of "can be widening"?

No, "can be widen" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""can be widening"", using the present continuous form of the verb.

What's the difference between "can be widening" and "is widening"?

"Can be widening" indicates a possibility or potential for expansion, while "is widening" suggests that the expansion is currently happening. The former implies uncertainty, whereas the latter implies certainty.