can be wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be wider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to have a greater width or to indicate that there is room for expansion in a particular context. Example: "The road can be wider to accommodate more traffic during peak hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That gap can be wider.

The New York Times

But the margins these days can be wider than ever.

The New York Times

Flower beds can be wider, tolerating an occasional step.

The New York Times

And there can be wider agreement on which practices are good than on which practices are best.

Harvard University

The Channel is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, but the gulf in understanding can be wider.

The Times

Taking advantage of the ability of frequency multiplication, the frequency tuning range can be wider than the operation bandwidth of the modulator.

Optics Communications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 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

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

The Guardian

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be wider" to suggest the potential for expansion or increased scope, especially when discussing abstract concepts like understanding or application.

Common error

Avoid using "can be wider" when referring to physical objects with fixed dimensions. It's more appropriate for describing potential or comparative relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be wider" functions as a modal phrase expressing potential or possibility. It indicates that something has the capacity to increase in width or scope. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be wider" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the potential for expansion in breadth or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral formality. When using this phrase, consider its implications for potential change rather than fixed states. While the phrase is correct, remember to analyze the context carefully to prevent misunderstandings, and explore alternatives such as "may be broader", "could be more expansive", or "might be enlarged" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be broader

Emphasizes possibility, similar to "can", but uses the adjective "broader" to focus on expanse.

could be more expansive

Suggests potential for greater range or scope, using "expansive" to highlight the capacity for extension.

might be enlarged

Indicates a possibility of becoming larger, focusing on the process of enlargement.

has the potential to be extended

Highlights the capacity for something to be made longer or broader, emphasizing potential.

is able to be broadened

Focuses on the capability of something to be made wider, emphasizing ability.

admits of greater breadth

Suggests that something allows for a larger scope or range, using more formal language.

allows for increased width

Directly states that something permits a greater width, emphasizing permission.

can accommodate more width

Focuses on the capacity to hold or contain something with greater width, emphasizing accommodation.

may expand in width

Indicates a potential increase in width, using "expand" to highlight growth.

can grow broader

Suggests the possibility of becoming wider over time, emphasizing growth.

FAQs

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

Use "can be wider" to suggest possibility or potential for expansion in scope, breadth, or physical width. For instance, "The interpretation of the data "can be wider" than initially anticipated."

What are some alternatives to "can be wider"?

Alternatives include "may be broader", "could be more expansive", or "might be enlarged" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "can be wider"?

Yes, the phrase "can be wider" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express the potential for something to have increased width or scope.

When is it appropriate to use "can be wider" versus "is wider"?

Use "can be wider" when discussing a potential or hypothetical increase in width. Use "is wider" when stating a factual comparison of existing widths. The former implies possibility; the latter, a current state.