ever-widening

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ever-widening" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually means becoming larger or more expansive over time, so it can be used to describe something that is incrementally widening or expanding. For example, you could say: "The gap between the rich and the poor is an ever-widening divide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

But an ever-widening chasm exists between 2014 and today.

The New York Times

America ("the story of its ever-widening circle of freedom").

The New York Times - Arts

Our ever-widening news media lens magnifies everything.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead it chose to shoot from an ever-widening perimeter.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet they remained hundreds of millions apart, with an ever-widening rhetorical gulf.

The New York Times - Sports

But Clarke trills and singsongs her lines through a mask of haughtiness or ever-widening smiles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But counterfeiters are copying an ever widening range of products.

The Economist

He sketches a progressive, ever widening evolution of empathy.

The New York Times

MEMS research in the EECS Department reflects this through its ever widening range of applications.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is less territorially based and encompasses an ever widening range of actors and issues.

Yale University

He has been unable to change the dynamic of ever widening estrangement between Israelis and Palestinians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that is becoming more and more inclusive, "ever-widening" is a good choice. For instance, "The museum is dedicated to serving an ever-widening audience."

Common error

While "ever-widening" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "progressively expanding" or "increasingly comprehensive" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever-widening" functions primarily as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe something continuously increasing in size or scope. It suggests a dynamic and ongoing process of expansion, as seen in examples from Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ever-widening" is a useful and grammatically correct way to describe continuous expansion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it conveys a sense of ongoing growth or disparity. While broadly applicable, consider synonyms like "progressively broadening" for more formal writing. Remember to use "ever-widening" to vividly portray trends that continuously increase, such as the "ever-widening" gap between rich and poor, and to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. The phrase's consistent usage and clear meaning make it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuously expanding

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the expansion.

constantly increasing

Emphasizes the steady rise in size or scope.

progressively broadening

Highlights the gradual and forward-moving aspect of the widening.

steadily growing

Indicates a consistent and stable increase.

increasingly extensive

Stresses the growing comprehensiveness or reach.

ceaselessly expanding

Highlights the uninterrupted and continuous nature of expansion.

incessantly growing

Focuses on the relentless and ongoing increase.

perpetually increasing

Emphasizes the never-ending nature of the growth.

relentlessly broadening

Stresses the determined and persistent nature of the expansion.

unremittingly growing

Highlights the continuous and unwavering nature of the increase.

FAQs

How can I use "ever-widening" in a sentence?

You can use "ever-widening" to describe something that is continuously increasing in scope or size. For example: "The ever-widening circle of friends supported her through the crisis." or "The "ever-widening gap" between expectations and reality can lead to disappointment."

What are some alternatives to "ever-widening"?

Alternatives include "continuously expanding", "constantly increasing", or "progressively broadening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever-widening" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ever-widening" might sound less sophisticated in some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "increasingly extensive" for a more refined tone.

What does "ever-widening" imply about the nature of the expansion?

"Ever-widening" suggests that the expansion is ongoing and continuous, without a foreseeable end. It implies a persistent and often concerning trend, such as the "ever-widening inequality" in society.