it has been widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been widespread" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has occurred or been prevalent over a period of time. Example: "The use of social media has been widespread among teenagers in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The response to Lambert's behavior has been as varied as it has been widespread.

The New York Times

"But they suggest it has been widespread and mild in most people".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The current electoral law — which determines how candidates are chosen and how the parliamentary seats are divided — has kindled growing dissaffection among Italian voters, and calls to reform it have been widespread.

The New York Times

Although both men have denied it, there has been widespread speculation of strain between Mr. Redstone and Mr. Karmazin.

The New York Times

Although the police in Montgomery County, Md., have said the burglars were probably interested in the computer, rather than any data on it, there has been widespread concern that the data could be used for credit card fraud and other crimes associated with identity theft.

The New York Times

He also says that while "the growth has been widespread, it's been cutthroat growth".

Forbes

Although the idea of the seeding of ESF and EPBs by AGWs has been widespread, it is quite difficult to find direct evidence of the interaction between AGWs and the generation of ESF and EPBs.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

I think it is fair to say there has been widespread shock at what has emerged.

BBC

Public support for her has been widespread.

The New York Times

The result has been widespread abuses.

The New York Times

The result has been widespread non-payment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has been widespread", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

While "it has been widespread" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more specific verbs and adjectives to convey the extent or prevalence more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been widespread" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something has occurred or existed extensively. Ludwig confirms this, showing its use in various contexts to denote prevalence. The examples highlight its role in reporting on news, scientific findings, and societal trends.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has been widespread" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something that is prevalent or has occurred extensively. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally acceptable, consider using more specific language in formal settings. Alternatives such as "it has been prevalent" or "it has been common" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Ensure clarity by defining what "it" refers to, and avoid overuse in highly formal writing to maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been prevalent

Replaces "widespread" with "prevalent", suggesting a common or dominant occurrence.

it has been common

Uses "common" instead of "widespread", indicating a frequent or usual occurrence.

it has been extensive

Substitutes "widespread" with "extensive", highlighting the broad reach or scope of something.

it has been pervasive

Replaces "widespread" with "pervasive", suggesting something that spreads widely and affects many things.

it has been rampant

Uses "rampant" instead of "widespread", indicating an unchecked or unrestrained spread.

it has been ubiquitous

Substitutes "widespread" with "ubiquitous", implying that something is present everywhere.

it has gained traction

Indicates growing acceptance or popularity.

it has become mainstream

Suggests something has moved into the common culture.

it has proliferated

Emphasizes rapid increase or spread.

it is commonplace

Highlights the ordinary or unremarkable nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been widespread" in a sentence?

You can use "it has been widespread" to describe something that is common or has occurred in many places or among many people. For instance, "The use of social media "it has been widespread" among teenagers."

What can I say instead of "it has been widespread"?

You can use alternatives like "it has been prevalent", "it has been common", or "it has been extensive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it has been widely spread" instead of "it has been widespread"?

While "widely spread" is understandable, ""it has been widespread"" is more concise and idiomatic. "Widely spread" can sound slightly awkward in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "it has been widespread" and "it is widespread"?

"It has been widespread" typically refers to something that started in the past and continues to be common or prevalent. "It is widespread" describes something that is currently common or prevalent, without necessarily emphasizing its historical development.