in wide terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in wide terms" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when attempting to describe something in a broad or general sense, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "In wide terms, the project aims to improve community engagement and foster collaboration among various stakeholders."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If parliament conferred discretionary power on an official in wide terms (such as "to act as he sees fit", or "in the public interest"), then the courts would interpret such a power as the grant of an infinite authority, with which they could not properly interfere.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

" In wider terms, perhaps we may see a return to straight theatre after a decade of playful deconstruction.

The Guardian

While its various narratives circulate around the theme of the mother-child bond, the actress sees it in wider terms.

Independent

"In wider terms, studying these frogs and the slow recovery of the population on Dominica which was thought to be extinct is really important for understanding how amphibian populations can bounce back from this disease".

The Guardian

If we see him as an artist who moves back and forth in his own painted world, one also has to take account of where we place his art in wider terms.

The Guardian - Arts

What it means in wider terms is that the protracted recession – France's economy flatlining again, Germany a bit brighter – is unsettling politics-as-usual, but not overthrowing it.

The Guardian

An alternative view of ideology conceives it in wider terms, as a discourse "addressed to another and lives only in the other's response". In this view, messages disseminated by RT are far more than the misguided opinions of an autocrat.

The Washington Post

Despite the chaos, we must also think in wider terms.

Vice

These studies emphasize that RapidArc and, in wider terms, VMAT techniques can be considered a possible alternative to traditional irradiation methods for the cure of several cancers.

Cancer Management and Research

Coleman, indeed, brought a new vocabulary to jazz, in the widest terms: melody, instrumentation and technique were all taken in new directions in his music.

The Guardian - Music

But it is hard to imagine how anything could satisfy either his internal critics or Mr Paisley's party, both of whom define decommissioning in the widest terms, for example as including the "dismantling of the terrorist structures".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in wide terms" sparingly in formal writing, as it may sound less polished than other options.

Common error

Avoid substituting "in wide terms" for more precise language when detail is important. The phrase is best suited for situations where a general understanding is sufficient. Misusing it can make your writing seem vague or imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in wide terms" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to indicate the scope or generality of a statement. As Ludwig AI points out, while grammatically acceptable, its usage is less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

24%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in wide terms" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is being discussed generally. While not grammatically incorrect, Ludwig AI indicates that it is less common than alternatives like "in broad terms" or "in general terms". It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, consider whether a more common or precise phrase might better suit your needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in broad terms

Emphasizes a general overview, focusing on the main aspects without detailed specifics.

in general terms

Highlights a lack of specificity, providing a high-level description.

generally speaking

Introduces a statement that is true in most cases but may have exceptions.

on the whole

Suggests an overall assessment, considering all aspects of the subject.

in a general way

Similar to "in general terms" but may imply a less structured or formal approach.

in rough terms

Implies an approximate or imprecise description, lacking in detail.

in outline

Focuses on the basic structure or main points, providing a skeletal view.

by and large

Similar to "on the whole" but may suggest a more lenient or tolerant perspective.

to generalize

Indicates the act of making a broad statement based on limited information.

in simplified terms

Focuses on making something easier to understand, often by removing complexity.

FAQs

What does "in wide terms" mean?

The phrase "in wide terms" means describing something broadly or generally, without going into specific details. It is similar to saying "in general terms" or "in broad terms".

What can I say instead of "in wide terms"?

You can use alternatives like "in broad terms", "in general terms", or "generally speaking" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "in wide terms"?

While not incorrect, "in wide terms" is less common than other similar phrases and might sound awkward to some readers. Using "in broad terms" is generally preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "in wide terms" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to give a general overview or discuss something without focusing on specific details. However, consider whether alternatives like "in general terms" might be more suitable.