fairly widely

USAGE SUMMARY

"fairly widely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not completely widespread, but has considerable reach or acceptance. Example: "The use of social media has become fairly widely accepted by employers as a way to vet job applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ms. Miller's program was brief -- just over an hour -- but it ranged fairly widely.

The New York Times

One factor is whether a given subject is taught fairly widely in high schools.

The New York Times

Housing wealth, which is fairly widely spread among the rich and middle classes, was hit harder.

The Economist

"The real story is that this is a technology that has been disseminated fairly widely prematurely," she says.

The New York Times

Crispin's general assessment of the current literary situation is fairly widely shared in, of all places, New York.

The Guardian - Books

Avastin, also known as bevacizumab, was already being used fairly widely off label to treat breast cancer.

The New York Times

Oddly, an option rarely offered by mortgage brokers but fairly widely available is a half-and-half deal.

The Guardian - Money

Although deposits of flint for stone tools and weapons were fairly widely and evenly distributed, copper ores were not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

That points up the advantage of investing in a fairly widely-based fund specialising in the area.

The Guardian - Money

These are widely available, and there is a fairly wide choice as well.

WikiHow

That's long seemed like a fairly safe, widely agreeable proposal.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fairly widely" to indicate that something is common but not universal. For example, "The concept of remote work is now fairly widely accepted."

Common error

Avoid using "fairly widely" when describing something almost universally adopted; opt for phrases like "nearly universal" or "almost everywhere" to prevent exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly widely" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs or adjectives. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the extent or degree to which something is distributed, accepted, or used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fairly widely" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is common but not universal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "moderately widespread" exist, "fairly widely" provides a balanced and nuanced way to describe the scope or extent of a particular phenomenon. As such, mastering its usage can add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately widespread

Indicates a more measured level of distribution compared to "fairly widely".

reasonably common

Emphasizes the frequency or typicality rather than the breadth of distribution.

quite extensively

Highlights the degree to which something is spread or developed.

relatively broadly

Suggests a comparison to other possible distributions, implying a wider scope than some alternatives.

somewhat prevalent

Focuses on the dominance or common occurrence of something.

appreciably diffused

Highlights the dispersal or spread of something in a noticeable way.

noticeably dispersed

Emphasizes the state of being spread out to a degree that it is easily observed.

markedly distributed

Indicates a clear and distinct pattern of distribution.

considerably dispersed

Suggests a significant level of spreading or scattering.

generally accessible

Shifts the focus to the availability or ease of obtaining something, rather than its distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "fairly widely" in a sentence?

"Fairly widely" indicates something is common but not universal. For example: "The use of renewable energy is "fairly widely" supported, but faces challenges in implementation."

What can I say instead of "fairly widely"?

Alternatives include "moderately widespread", "reasonably common", or "quite extensively", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "fairly widely" the same as "very widely"?

No, "fairly widely" suggests a moderate level of distribution or acceptance, while "very widely" implies a much higher level. The distinction lies in the degree of prevalence.

Is it correct to say "fairly widely accepted"?

Yes, it is correct. "Fairly widely accepted" indicates that an idea or practice has gained considerable, but not complete, acceptance. The phrase is frequently used in academic and professional contexts.