it was widening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was widening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is increasing in size or extent over time. Example: "As the river flowed, it was widening, creating a more expansive landscape along its banks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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 filing came the day after Lear said it was widening its 2005 loss by $6 million because of a pricing dispute with an unnamed customer.

The New York Times

The Dutch government said Tuesday that it was widening its investigation into an Internet security breach in an effort to learn whether the private data of Dutch citizens, many of whom file income tax returns online, had been compromised.

The New York Times - Tech

The government there said last week that it was widening its investigation into the breach in an effort to learn whether the private data of Dutch citizens, many of whom file income tax returns online, had been compromised.

The New York Times - Tech

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

While the site does not contain classified material, the commission said it was "widening its review to remove additional information that could potentially be of use to a terrorist".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was widened and heightened when Clarke won.

The New York Times - Sports

It was widened in 1870, when it became known as South Fifth Avenue.

The New York Times

It was widened eventually and a few feet of her property was to be taken, for which she got $100.

The New Yorker

Until it was widened recently, it had no shoulders, making it dreaded by commuters for whom a single flat tire could result in hours at a standstill.

The New York Times

In more than a century, only one bunker has been changed: the pothole trap on the par-5 7th, with stairs leading into it, was widened.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was widening" to clearly indicate an expansion or increase in size, scope, or extent over time. Ensure the context provides clarity on what is widening and the implications of this expansion.

Common error

Avoid using "it was widening" when a simple increase in number or amount is meant; "increasing" is more appropriate for numerical values. Ensure the subject actually involves a literal or figurative expansion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was widening" functions as a descriptive verbal phrase. It describes an ongoing process of expansion or increase in size, scope, or intensity, as illustrated by Ludwig examples showcasing widening investigations and product ranges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was widening" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an expanding or increasing state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific reports. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the widening is literal or figurative to avoid misuse. For alternative expressions, consider "it was expanding" or "it was growing", but always tailor your choice to the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral to professional registers, making it a reliable choice for clear and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was expanding

Emphasizes a growth in size or scope.

it was growing

Focuses on a gradual increase or development.

it was increasing

Highlights a measurable rise in quantity or degree.

it was broadening

Suggests an extension in range or understanding.

it was extending

Implies a lengthening or reaching out further.

it was escalating

Conveys a rapid and significant increase in intensity.

it was magnifying

Emphasizes an increase in apparent size or importance.

it was amplifying

Indicates an enhancement or intensification of sound or effect.

it was intensifying

Highlights a strengthening or deepening of something.

it was stretching

Suggests an elongation or expansion to cover a larger area.

FAQs

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

Use "it was widening" to describe something that is increasing in size, scope, or extent over a period. For example, "The gap between the rich and poor, it was widening every year."

What are some alternatives to "it was widening"?

You can use alternatives like "it was expanding", "it was growing", or "it was increasing" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was widening" formal or informal?

"It was widening" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, consider more precise alternatives depending on the specific subject.

Which is correct, "it was widening" or "it is widening"?

Both "it was widening" and "it is widening" are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "It was widening" refers to something that was in the process of widening in the past, while "it is widening" refers to something that is currently in the process of widening.