expands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of increasing in size, volume, scope, or detail. Example: "The company expands its operations to new markets every year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This expands the tissue to nearly 5 times its normal size, while leaving the relative positions of proteins and other cellular structures largely intact.

The Guardian

I guess it expands and contracts with the fashions".

The Guardian - Music

She does, however, accept that, as the scheme expands, the need for extra resources will be inevitable.

The Guardian - Money

The film expands to about 250 cinemas from its second weekend, by far the widest play for a Leigh title.

The Guardian - Film

Your emphasis on US action does more harm to the people you are supposedly trying to help and it only expands and sustain US military might.

The Guardian

Later he expands on the lunacy that would seize him while in the grip of the old pop'n'chop: "I'd get to midnight and I'd say, 'Fuck it, let's go to Guernsey', then wake up and wonder why the hell I was there".

The Guardian

Photograph: Ahmed Shalha/Reuters Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 5.46pm BST17:46 Unicef expands help for Syrians Unicef has announced an expansion of its operation in Syria and in neighbouring countries hosting more than 300,000 refugees.

The Guardian

But while Vishneva expands her own cultural horizons, she's become increasingly concerned about the narrowing of those back home.

The Guardian

Many travellers come here to see the lake's glacier, Perito Moreno; it's world-famous, because the ice expands until the warmer waters beneath undermine it and cause a calamitous implosion, sending tsunami-like waves on to the terminal moraine.

The Guardian - Travel

Because the glass is so hot, the air inside expands and creates a bubble.

The Guardian - Money

Since water, like almost everything else, expands as it gets hotter, its rising temperature causes sea levels to rise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expands" when you want to emphasize an increase in size, scope, or detail. It's suitable for both physical and abstract contexts.

Common error

While "expands" is versatile, avoid relying on it excessively in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "grows", "extends", or "increases" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expands" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates an action performed by a singular subject in the present, as seen in Ludwig examples such as "the film expands to about 250 cinemas" or "the ice expands until...".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expands" functions as a versatile verb to describe growth or extension across various contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, business, and scientific sources. When using "expands", consider synonyms like "grows", "enlarges", or "extends" to enrich your writing and avoid overuse. Though versatile, using synonyms may improve your text in formal writing. Given the phrase's correct usage and broad applicability according to Ludwig, it's a reliable choice for expressing increases in size, scope, or detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grows

Implies a natural, gradual increase in size or scope.

enlarges

Suggests making something bigger in physical size or extent.

extends

Focuses on increasing the length, reach, or duration of something.

increases

Highlights a numerical or measurable rise in quantity or degree.

broadens

Emphasizes widening the scope or range of something.

amplifies

Implies increasing the intensity or strength of something, often in sound or effect.

develops

Suggests a process of growth and improvement over time.

elaborates

Focuses on providing more detail and explanation.

augments

Implies adding to something to improve or enhance it.

magnifies

Highlights making something appear larger or more significant.

FAQs

How can I use "expands" in a sentence?

You can use "expands" to describe something that increases in size, scope, or detail. For example, "The company "expands" its operations every year", or "The universe "expands" constantly".

What are some alternatives to "expands"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "grows", "enlarges", "extends", or "increases" instead of ""expands"".

When is it appropriate to use "expands" in writing?

"Expands" is appropriate in various contexts, including business, science, and general writing, when describing an increase in size, scope, or detail.

Is "expands" formal or informal?

"Expands" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing.