expanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "expanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is growing or increasing in size or intensity. For example: "The expanding popularity of the new movie has resulted in a higher demand for tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clarke called on pro-Europeans to make the case for the EU more effectively as he called for the fulfilment of Margaret Thatcher's two key European ambitions – completing the single market and expanding the EU by admitting Turkey.

The Guardian

But it's not at all clear that the number of jobs created by, say, an expanding solar industry would be greater than the number lost through, say, a shrinking coal-mining industry.

The Economist

Demographic changes mean India's appetite for higher education is expanding quickly and providing a source of international postgrad students that the US is exploiting.

The Guardian

Whenever the topic of the vast – and constantly expanding – wealth gap comes up for debate, it seems as if someone is always itching for the opportunity to resurrect those words, culminating in Fitzgerald's observation that the wealthy "think, deep in their hearts, that they are better than we are".

The Guardian - Money

The major parties have "utterly rolled over and accepted what the security establishment is saying" despite worrying evidence that spies are expanding their power without the public knowing, Bennett said.

The Guardian

Sitting on a charity board is "a good way of expanding your horizons", he said, but the right candidates might not necessarily be attracted because of a lack of knowledge about what exactly trusteeship involves.

The Guardian

But after securing re-election in 1995 Akayev shifted his political course, steadily expanding his presidential powers.

The Guardian

With our US operation underway, the launch of our Google TV app is a small but positive step towards connecting these new audiences with the Guardian's journalism on an expanding platform with such a huge potential".

The Guardian

Lucky, struggling to work through an ever expanding clinic says "If you do see the doctor you will not be awake, even the clinical officers spend most of their time in surgery".

The Guardian

And certainly not when it is compared to the years that Tsiskaridze's predecessor, Vera Dorofeeva, has spent modernising and expanding the Vaganova's curriculum and forging links with other schools around the world.

The Guardian

Rodric Braithwaite London The claim that the west gave no guarantees against Nato expanding eastwards may be literally true but is nevertheless misleading.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a company's growth, use "expanding" to convey a sense of progress and opportunity. For instance, "The company is expanding its operations into new markets."

Common error

Avoid using "expanding" multiple times in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "growing", "increasing", or "extending" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expanding" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is expanding") or as an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expanding" functions primarily as a present participle, denoting a process of growth or increase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility, evidenced by numerous examples across diverse sources. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, reflecting its wide applicability. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards professional usage. For effective writing, it's advisable to vary word choice and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "growing", "increasing", or "extending" to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing

This alternative focuses on the process of natural increase in size or amount.

increasing

This term highlights the quantitative aspect of becoming larger or more numerous.

enlarging

This suggests making something bigger in physical dimensions.

extending

This refers to making something longer or reaching a further point.

developing

This emphasizes the gradual unfolding or evolving of something.

augmenting

This indicates adding to something in order to improve or enhance it.

amplifying

This suggests increasing the magnitude or effect of something.

escalating

This refers to a rapid increase in intensity or amount.

proliferating

This indicates a rapid increase in number or amount.

burgeoning

This describes something that is growing or developing rapidly.

FAQs

How can I use "expanding" in a sentence?

You can use "expanding" to describe something growing in size, scope, or influence. For example, "The company is "expanding its market share"" or "The universe is "expanding at an accelerating rate"".

What's the difference between "expanding" and "growing"?

"Expanding" often implies a deliberate action or planned increase, while "growing" can refer to a more natural or organic process. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate term.

Which is correct, "expanding the business" or "expanding the business's"?

"Expanding the business" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Expanding the business's" implies possession, which is not typically needed in this context.

What are some alternatives to using "expanding"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing", "growing", or "extending" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each has a slightly different implication.