in a wide range

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a wide range" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that there are many different options, often within a particular category. For example, "This store sells a wide range of clothes for men, women, and children".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CHILDREN have always come in a wide range of sizes.

The New York Times

He writes great songs in a wide range of styles.

The New York Times - Arts

Q. Hearing aids come in a wide range of prices.

The New York Times

Dogs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is used in a wide range of products, from shampoo to ice cream.

The Guardian

Ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of sizes and colors.

The New York Times

We've seen huge changes in a wide range of provision, from benefits to social care.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neil has over 25 years experience in a wide range of highly competitive customer-facing industries.

The Guardian

In a wide range of cases, offender-funded justice may not result in justice at all.

The New Yorker

"We recruit the best of the best in a wide range of fields this way".

The New York Times

He has over 25 years' experience in a wide range of customer-facing industries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a wide range", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being varied. For instance, instead of saying 'the product is used in a wide range', specify 'the product is used in a wide range of industries'.

Common error

Avoid using "in a wide range" redundantly. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms such as "across a spectrum", "encompassing many", or "covering a multitude" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a wide range" functions primarily as a prepositional modifier. It typically modifies a noun or verb, specifying the extent or scope of the action or characteristic being described. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a wide range" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate variety or scope. According to Ludwig, it is correct and very common across diverse writing contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While useful, it's essential to specify the context of the range and avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "across a spectrum". Be mindful of clarity to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across a spectrum

Uses "spectrum" to emphasize a continuous range, implying gradual variation.

encompassing many

Highlights inclusion of numerous items within a category.

covering a multitude

Emphasizes a large number of different things being addressed.

spanning diverse areas

Focuses on the diversity of fields or topics covered.

exhibiting a variety

Stresses the presence of different types or forms.

in various forms

Highlights different presentations or manifestations.

demonstrating an array

Emphasizes a structured and impressive display of options.

including a host

Indicates a large number of possibilities.

ranging broadly

Focuses on the extent of variation or coverage.

in different spheres

Highlights varying fields of activity or interest.

FAQs

How can I use "in a wide range" in a sentence?

You can use "in a wide range" to describe the extent or variety of something. For instance, 'The company offers services "in a wide range" of industries' or 'The software supports "in a wide range" of file formats'.

What are some alternatives to "in a wide range"?

Alternatives include "across a spectrum", "encompassing many", or "covering a multitude". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a wide range" or "across a wide range"?

"In a wide range" is more common and generally preferred. "Across a wide range" is also correct but might sound slightly more formal or emphatic depending on the context.

What does "in a wide range" imply about the subject?

Using "in a wide range" implies that the subject has considerable diversity, application, or variation. It suggests the subject is not limited to a narrow scope but extends to many different areas or types.