it is widening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is widening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is becoming broader or more extensive over time. Example: "As the river flows downstream, it is widening significantly, creating a more expansive habitat for wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

TrackR is launching a new brand, Adero, and sources say it is widening its focus to other uses for its tracking technology, taking TrackR beyond the circular Bluetooth fobs that form the core of its service today.

TechCrunch

Another sign of how it is widening its analytics net.

TechCrunch

It's a show as capable of portraying one character's specific longings as it is widening its gaze to take in a soul-stirring view.

BBC

It is widening the ground of more confrontation and armed resistance and counterattacks.

The New Yorker

And sadly, a recent survey carried out by Yorkshire Building Society suggests that it is widening.

Independent

The gender pay gap is a huge issue and recent research shows that in the UK it is widening, not narrowing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Some of that increase will come from servicing bigger ships that will use the Panama Canal once it is widened.

The Economist

In the absence of n-3 nutrients, dietary linoleate (18 2n-6 18 2n-6very narrow thasapeutic window below 1 percent of food energy, and it is widened by n-3 nutrients.

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators

The medullary canal is opened, and, if necessary, it is widened to permit the insertion of the big steel stem of the prosthesis.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

HMRC said it was widening its investigation and revealed that 130 of the 1,000 HSBC account holders in Switzerland had yet to be investigated.

The Guardian

The House Energy and Commerce Committee said yesterday that it was widening its investigation of business practices at Global Crossing and Qwest Communications after securing the cooperation of two British telecommunications companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is widening", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined and its expanding scope is relevant to the context. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is widening" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure your reader understands what exactly is expanding to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is widening" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing process of expansion or increase. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, such as describing a widening gap or a broadening search.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is widening" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an ongoing process of expansion or increase. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English, noting its suitability for describing situations where something is becoming broader or more extensive over time. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. When using "it is widening", ensure the subject "it" is clearly defined to maintain clarity. Consider alternative phrases such as ""it's expanding"" or ""it is broadening"" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's expanding

This alternative uses "expanding" instead of "widening", implying a growth in size or scope.

it is broadening

This alternative uses "broadening" instead of "widening", suggesting an increase in range or understanding.

it is growing

This alternative employs "growing", indicating an increase in size or quantity.

it is escalating

This alternative uses "escalating", which implies a rapid increase or intensification.

it is extending

This alternative uses "extending", meaning to increase the area or length of something.

it is amplifying

This alternative suggests that something is being increased in magnitude or intensity.

it is magnifying

Similar to amplifying, this indicates making something appear larger or more significant.

it is intensifying

This alternative refers to something becoming stronger or more extreme.

it is swelling

This alternative suggests a gradual increase in size or volume, often with a sense of pressure.

it is augmenting

This alternative signifies adding to something in order to improve or enlarge it.

FAQs

How can I use "it is widening" in a sentence?

Use "it is widening" to describe a gap, search, investigation, or focus that is expanding. For example, "The gender pay gap "it is widening", not narrowing" or "Malaysia says "it is widening" the search for the airliner".

What are some alternatives to "it is widening"?

Alternatives include "it's expanding", "it is broadening", or "it is growing", depending on the specific context.

Is "it is widening" the same as "it was widened"?

No, "it is widening" describes a current, ongoing process of expansion, while "it was widened" describes a past, completed action of making something wider.

Which is correct: "the gap is widening" or "it is widening"?

Both are correct, but they have different uses. "The gap is widening" is used when the subject (the gap) is explicit. "It is widening" is used when the subject is already known or implied from the context.