it expands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it expands" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of something increasing in size, scope, or influence. Example: "As the temperature rises, it expands, causing the material to change shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If annoyed, it expands its neck, cobra fashion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When steel rusts, it expands 25 times its thickness.

The New York Times

The greater its power, the more it expands our lives.

The New York Times - Arts

It expands.

The Guardian - Music

It expands nature another layer.

The New York Times

"It expands our inventory".

The New York Times

She likes pretending, imagining; it expands her.

The New Yorker

It expands, like the universe.

The Guardian

It expands and stretches you.

The Guardian

It expands you in every way.

The New York Times - Books

It expands to 10 screens from Friday.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it expands", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "it expands" when the context requires a more specific verb. For instance, if you mean "it extends its reach", using just "it expands" might be too vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it expands" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating growth, enlargement, or extension. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used. It commonly describes a process where something increases in size, scope, or influence, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it expands" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe growth or enlargement across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using "it expands", ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to in order to maintain clarity. While versatile, consider alternatives like "it grows" or "it extends" for specific nuances. Keep in mind the scope you want to convey to avoid vagueness when using the phrase "it expands".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it grows

This alternative provides a more general term for increasing in size or scope.

it increases

This option focuses on the measurable aspect of growth or augmentation.

it extends

This phrase emphasizes lengthening or widening the reach of something.

it broadens

This alternative suggests an increase in breadth or scope.

it enlarges

This term highlights the process of becoming larger in size or volume.

it swells

This option conveys a bulging or outward expansion.

it inflates

This phrase suggests filling with air or gas, causing expansion.

it dilates

This term is more specific, referring to widening, especially of an opening.

it amplifies

This alternative suggests an increase in intensity or effect, rather than physical size.

it escalates

This option emphasizes an increase in intensity or severity.

FAQs

How can I use "it expands" in a sentence?

You can use "it expands" to describe something that is increasing in size, scope, or influence. For example, "As the universe continues to age, "it expands"". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used and grammatically correct.

What are some alternatives to saying "it expands"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it grows", "it increases", or "it extends". These options can provide a more nuanced meaning.

Is it correct to say "it expands" in formal writing?

Yes, "it expands" is appropriate for formal writing. The phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in academic, scientific, and news contexts as demonstrated by the many examples provided by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "it expands" and "it broadens"?

"It expands" generally refers to an increase in size or scope, while "it broadens" specifically implies an increase in range or understanding. For example, "Travel expands your horizons", but "Heating the metal expands it".