growing wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing wider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is physically or metaphorically expanding or increasing in width or scope. Example: "As the conversation progressed, the gap between their opinions was growing wider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The gulf between Mr Obama and allies is growing wider.

The Economist

The gap between haves and have-nots is growing wider.

The Guardian - Opinion

That pool is growing wider all the time.

The New York Times - Arts

Far from the world becoming flatter or smaller, the Atlantic is growing wider, politically and emotionally.

The New York Times - Magazine

The general sounds powerless, as he gives warning that "the extremist margins are growing wider".

The Economist

The gulf between the truth about G.M.O.s and what people say about them keeps growing wider.

The New Yorker

The achievement gap between minority and non-minority students is wide and growing wider.

The New York Times

The chasm between the two communities appears to be growing wider.

The Guardian

The chicks began growing wider, taller, more robust beaks similar to those of a nut-cracking finch.

The New York Times - Science

The daily swings of stock markets have been growing wider, and investments presumed to be safe, like Treasury bonds and gold bullion, have been rising sharply in price.

The New York Times

Educators say that the academic rift between boys and girls in China is apparent, and statistics indicate that it is quickly growing wider.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing wider" to describe an increasing gap or divide between two things, whether physical or abstract. For example: "The income inequality is growing wider."

Common error

Avoid using "growing wider" when a more precise term like "widening" or "expanding" would be more appropriate for physical objects. For example, instead of "the river is growing wider," consider "the river is widening."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing wider" functions as a verb phrase typically used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., 'is growing wider'). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase describes a state of progressive expansion, whether literal or figurative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Huffington Post

8%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "growing wider" is a versatile expression used to describe the increasing size, scope, or intensity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media but also in scientific and formal writing. The phrase often denotes an increasing gap or divergence. While "expanding" and "widening" can serve as alternatives, "growing wider" often carries a nuanced sense of progressive separation or escalation. To ensure effective communication, consider the specific context and choose the most precise term to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widening

Focuses specifically on the increase in width.

broadening

Similar to widening, but can also refer to expanding knowledge or understanding.

expanding

Implies a physical increase in size or range.

enlarging

Suggests making something bigger.

increasing

Indicates a general rise in quantity or degree.

spreading

Conveys the idea of something extending over a greater area.

extending

Implies a lengthening or stretching out.

magnifying

Suggests making something appear larger, either physically or in importance.

escalating

Indicates a rapid increase in intensity or severity.

amplifying

Implies increasing the strength or intensity of something, often sound or a signal.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing wider" to describe a gap, divide, or other abstract concept that is increasing in scope. For example: "The chasm between the two communities appears to be growing wider." or "The gulf between the truth about G.M.O.s and what people say about them keeps growing wider."

What's the difference between "widening" and "growing wider"?

While both terms imply an increase in width, "growing wider" can also suggest an increase in scope or intensity. "Widening" typically refers to a physical increase in width only.

Which is correct, "growing wider" or "getting wider"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Growing wider" is slightly more formal, while "getting wider" is more informal.

What are some alternatives to saying "growing wider"?

You can use alternatives such as "expanding", "increasing", or "broadening" depending on the specific context.