grow wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow wider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is increasing in width or expanding in size. Example: "As the river flows downstream, it begins to grow wider, creating a more expansive habitat for wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The rift between the U.S. and Europe will grow wider.

The New York Times

The avenues grow wider,… I still remember my first football game.

The New Yorker

Democracy cannot afford for the gap between prodigies and the rest to grow wider.

The Economist

The avenues grow wider, the blocks longer, the street lights farther apart.

The New Yorker

She starts to whisper, and her entrancing eyes – one deep brown, the other lighter – grow wider.

The Guardian - Film

As the primes get larger, they grow scarcer and the distances between them, the gaps, grow wider.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

And the teachers' eyes would grow wide.

The New York Times - Health

Letting his elastic smile grow wide, he added, "Plus, they bring booze".

The New York Times - Style

As the radio interview progresses, his eyes grow wide in apparent disbelief.

The New York Times

As Paterson's grip gets more precarious, his eyes grow wide in theatrical outrage.

The Guardian

After a few minutes, Hoffman's eyes grow wide: Devane and Olivier are in league!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow wider" to describe a physical increase in width or, metaphorically, to represent an expanding gap or difference.

Common error

While similar, "grow wider" is more specific to physical width. Use "grow broader" when referring to scope, understanding or range of subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow wider" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically serves as a predicate in a sentence, describing how something is increasing in width or expanding. Ludwig examples showcase both literal and figurative usages, reinforcing this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grow wider" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an increase in width, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers numerous examples across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym, such as "expand" or "widen", based on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Avoid confusing it with "grow broader", which is more suited for describing scope or range. Remember, while "grow wider" is generally neutral, context determines its overall formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become broader

This alternative emphasizes the increase in breadth or scope.

widen

A direct synonym focusing on the increase in width.

expand

A more general term for increasing in size or extent.

spread out

Suggests an expansion over a surface or area.

increase in breadth

More formal and emphasizes the measurement of breadth.

extend outwards

Implies a movement or reach in an outward direction.

enlarge

A general term for making something bigger.

dilate

Often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe expansion.

become more extensive

Focuses on the increase in reach or scope.

stretch out

Implies a lengthening as well as widening.

FAQs

How can I use "grow wider" in a sentence?

You can use "grow wider" to describe the physical expansion of something, as in "The river will grow wider after the heavy rains", or metaphorically, as in "The gap between the rich and poor continues to "grow wider"".

What is an alternative to saying "grow wider"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "expand", "widen", or "become broader".

When should I use "grow wider" versus "grow broader"?

"Grow wider" is typically used for physical dimensions, whereas "grow broader" refers to scope or range. For example, a road "grows wider", but a person's understanding "grows broader".

Is it correct to use "grow wider" in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "grow wider" can be used both literally to describe physical widening and figuratively to describe an increasing gap or disparity. For instance, "The river "grows wider"" (literal) and "The political divide "grows wider"" (figurative).