continue to widen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to widen" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a process or trend that is ongoing and increasing in intensity or scope. Example: The gap between the rich and the poor in our society continues to widen, as the wealthy gain more wealth and the poor struggle to make ends meet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that trade deficit could continue to widen.

The New York Times

Will football's gender pay-gap shrink, or continue to widen?

The Guardian - Sport

There is an even greater chance that it will continue to widen inequalities.

The Economist

Without political engagement by those who want to reverse income inequality, it will continue to widen.

The New York Times

If not, the gap between economic potential and the people's misery will continue to widen.

The Economist

So I expect that my basic research project will continue to widen in scope.

The New York Times

Rising imports continue to widen the trade deficit and hamper growth.

The New York Times

But as deficits continue to widen, such cuts seem more likely.

The New York Times

Disparities between what is said and what is done continue to widen.

The New Yorker

Slow growth means the unemployment gap is likely to continue to widen for a while.

The New York Times

The gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians on some critical social and economic indicators continue to widen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to widen", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is widening and why it is expected to do so. Providing specific details can strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to widen" without properly defining the scope of what is widening. Vague statements can confuse the reader. Always specify the subject and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to widen" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process or trend that is ongoing and increasing in scope or intensity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to widen" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes an ongoing expansion or increase in scope. Ludwig examples show its common use in contexts such as news, science, and business. According to Ludwig AI, it's often used to describe a process or trend that is ongoing and increasing in intensity or scope. The phrase is applicable in various registers, and while neutral, its formality can shift with the surrounding text. Understanding the scope of what is widening is crucial for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep expanding

Focuses on the ongoing nature of expansion.

go on expanding

Emphasizes the continuation of the expansion process.

persist in broadening

Emphasizes the persistence and extent of the broadening.

tend to amplify

Highlights the amplifying nature of the process.

progressively increase

Stresses the gradual and increasing nature.

escalate further

Suggests a more rapid and significant increase.

extend increasingly

Focuses on the increasing extension of something.

incline to magnify

Implies a tendency towards magnification.

remain to enlarge

Highlights the remaining aspect of enlargement.

sustain growth

Focuses on maintaining continuous growth.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to widen" in a sentence?

The phrase "continue to widen" is used to describe an ongoing increase in scope or intensity. For example, "The gap between rich and poor will "continue to widen" if policies remain unchanged."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "continue to widen"?

Alternatives include phrases like "keep expanding", "progressively increase", or "escalate further", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "continue to widen"?

Yes, "continue to widen" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of "continue to + verb" to indicate an ongoing action.

What's the difference between "continue to widen" and "continue to grow"?

"Continue to widen" typically implies an expansion in scope or range, whereas "continue to grow" generally suggests an increase in size or number. The choice depends on the specific context.