depth and breadth of corruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depth and breadth of corruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extensive and varied nature of corruption within a system or organization. Example: "The investigation revealed the alarming depth and breadth of corruption that had infiltrated the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"These guilty pleas vividly depict the depth and breadth of corruption involving the New York State pension fund," Mr. Cuomo said.

The New York Times

Not only had the public caught on to that pattern, but the investigation of the Sampoong Group and the government officials with which they dealt threw light on a staggering depth and breadth of corruption.

The Guardian

The second and broader issue is what will happen next and what the revelations are doing to the fabric of India's government and society, given the pervasive depth and breadth of corruption across government at all levels and the public and private sectors.

Independent

Not a day goes by in which new revelations are made about the depth and breadth of corruption during the Ahmadinejad's years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

indictment this week was astonishing in the depth and breadth of the alleged personal corruption.

Huffington Post

The picture shows, ravishingly, the depth and breadth of Mr. Cunningham's use of the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

This show highlights the depth and breadth of his long-term influence.

The New York Times - Arts

"That shows you the depth and breadth of support Al Gore has," Mr. Ragone said.

The New York Times

A proper accounting of the depth and breadth of her responses requires actually reading them.

The New Yorker

She declined until she saw the depth and breadth of the slush at the curb.

The New York Times

"We continue to be amazed at the depth and breadth of this market".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing corruption, use "depth and breadth" to convey not only its widespread nature but also its deeply entrenched roots within an organization or system.

Common error

Avoid using "depth and breadth of corruption" when referring to isolated incidents; reserve it for situations involving systemic or widespread corruption, or you risk overstating the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depth and breadth of corruption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the extent and intensity of corrupt practices. Ludwig shows that this phrase often introduces a serious discussion about the multifaceted nature of corruption.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depth and breadth of corruption" is a noun phrase used to describe the extensive and pervasive nature of corruption. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by a review of example sentences primarily from news and media sources, indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and used to emphasize the comprehensive nature of corruption, highlighting that it is both widespread and deeply rooted. Although relatively rare, its usage is impactful in conveying the gravity of the situation, making it suitable for discussions about governance and ethical issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extent of corruption

Focuses on the overall reach and magnitude of corruption, omitting the variety aspect.

scale of corruption

Emphasizes the size and magnitude of corruption, downplaying its complexity.

scope of corruption

Highlights the range and area affected by corruption, with less emphasis on intensity.

magnitude of corruption

Stresses the importance and severity of corruption, minimizing the scope or variety.

pervasiveness of corruption

Focuses on how widespread the corruption is, rather than on its intensity or variety.

systemic corruption

Indicates that corruption is embedded within a system, losing the nuance of range and magnitude.

rampant corruption

Implies uncontrolled and widespread corruption, without detailing its different forms or layers.

endemic corruption

Suggests that corruption is inherent and persistent, omitting the details of its variety and magnitude.

all-encompassing corruption

Emphasizes the totality of corruption, but may not convey its specific layers or manifestations.

far-reaching corruption

Highlights the extensive impact of corruption, without detailing its complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "depth and breadth of corruption" in a sentence?

You can use "depth and breadth of corruption" to describe the extensive and varied nature of corruption within a system. For example: "The investigation revealed the alarming "depth and breadth of corruption" that had infiltrated the government."

What are some alternatives to "depth and breadth of corruption"?

Alternatives include "extent of corruption", "scale of corruption", or "scope of corruption", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say 'the breadth and depth of corruption' instead of "depth and breadth of corruption"?

While both orders are understandable, "depth and breadth" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. "Breadth and depth" might sound less natural in this context.

What's the difference between "scale of corruption" and "depth and breadth of corruption"?

"Scale of corruption" focuses primarily on the size or magnitude of the corruption. "Depth and breadth of corruption", on the other hand, highlights both the wide reach (breadth) and the deeply embedded nature (depth) of the corruption.