how widespread is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how widespread is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the extent or prevalence of something in a particular context. Example: "How widespread is the use of renewable energy in urban areas?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How widespread is it?

Independent

How widespread is modern slavery?

The Guardian - Opinion

How widespread is night working?

Independent

But just how widespread is the practice?

The Guardian - Opinion

How widespread is support for the rebels?

Independent

But how widespread is domestic anti-Americanism?

The Economist

How widespread is cervical cancer?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet how widespread is it?

The Times

So how widespread is the problem?

The Guardian

— Just how widespread is the budget crisis in California?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

How widespread is stunning?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "how widespread is", ensure you clearly define what you're asking about. For example, instead of asking "How widespread is it?", specify "How widespread is the use of AI in healthcare?"

Common error

A common mistake is using "how widespread is it?" without a clear antecedent. Always make sure the "it" is explicitly defined or easily understood from the context to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how widespread is" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the extent, prevalence, or distribution of a particular phenomenon, issue, or characteristic. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how widespread is" serves as a grammatically correct and versatile tool for inquiring about the extent or prevalence of a given subject. As validated by Ludwig, this phrase finds common use across diverse contexts, including news media, academic research, and scientific studies. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to define the subject of inquiry explicitly. Alternatives such as "how common is" or "to what extent does it exist" offer similar means of expression. The high frequency of examples underscores its established place in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To what extent does it exist?

Focuses on the degree or scope of existence rather than just its presence.

How prevalent is it?

Replaces "widespread" with a synonym that emphasizes common occurrence.

How common is it?

Simplifies the phrasing by using the more basic term "common" instead of "widespread".

What is the scope of its occurrence?

Emphasizes the range or area within which something happens.

On what scale does it occur?

Asks about the size or magnitude of the phenomenon.

How far-reaching is its impact?

Shifts the focus to the extent of the effect or influence something has.

How extensively does it happen?

Replaces "widespread" with "extensively" to highlight the degree to which something occurs.

What is the geographical distribution?

Focuses specifically on the spread across different locations.

What proportion of people are affected?

Quantifies the extent by asking about the percentage of a population involved.

What is the level of diffusion?

Uses a more technical term, "diffusion", to describe the spread or dissemination of something.

FAQs

How can I use "how widespread is" in a sentence?

You can use "how widespread is" to inquire about the extent or prevalence of something. For example: "How widespread is the problem?" or "How widespread is the use of renewable energy?".

What are some alternatives to "how widespread is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "how common is", "how prevalent is", or "to what extent does it exist", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "how widespread it is"?

The phrase "how widespread it is" is grammatically correct, but it's typically used as part of a larger clause, such as "I'm curious about "how widespread it is"". The question form is "how widespread is".

What's the difference between "how widespread is" and "what is the scope of"?

While both inquire about the extent of something, "how widespread is" generally refers to distribution or prevalence, whereas "what is the scope of" often refers to the range or boundaries of an issue or project.