it was wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was wider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the width of an object or space to another, often in a descriptive context. Example: "The river was wider than I had anticipated, making it difficult to cross."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

So the new street was named Great Jones Street because it was wider than the norm.

The New York Times

It was wider than our vehicle and at least forty feet tall, with knobby gray branches that hung low over the water.

The New Yorker

N14053, in fact, was the exemplar of a series that in the 1980's had three things that Airbus hoped airlines would find irresistible: more comfort because it was wider, lower cost, and compatibility, meaning pilots trained to fly one could fly other models in the manufacturer's line with minimal extra training.

The New York Times

However, a tipster tells TechCrunch that it was wider than this and also included reductions in HR, operations, and mobile development.

TechCrunch

It was wider and usable by vehicles up to 4.72 m.

Wikipedia

The acetate-consumers again formed a shell, but it was wider and more diffuse than in the unregulated model.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It was wide open.

The New Yorker

It was wide-eyed intensity.

The New York Times - Sports

It was wide-ranging.

The Guardian

It was wide-reaching because it affected every country.

The Guardian

"It was wide," Mr. Guillion said, "and dark".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was wider" to directly compare the width of two objects or spaces, providing a clear and concise comparison for the reader. For example, "The new doorway was wider, allowing for easier access."

Common error

Avoid using "it was wider" in purely abstract or figurative contexts where the concept of physical width doesn't apply. For instance, instead of saying "the problem was wider than expected", consider alternatives like "the problem was more extensive" or "the problem was more complex".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was wider" primarily functions as a comparative statement. It's used to describe a subject and indicate that its width is greater than something else, whether explicitly stated or implied. As Ludwig AI also suggests, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was wider" serves as a grammatically sound and comparably descriptive phrase, predominately utilized across contexts like News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable for describing something that has a larger width in comparison to something else. While various alternative phrases exist—like "it was broader" or "it was more expansive"—it's crucial to use "it was wider" where physical or directly comparable dimension is intended. By avoiding misuse in fully abstract contexts and capitalizing on its straightforward comparative function, writers can leverage "it was wider" most effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was broader

Replaces 'wider' with 'broader', suggesting a more expansive or inclusive sense of width.

it was more expansive

Emphasizes the extent or scale of the width, implying a greater magnitude.

it was of greater width

More formal phrasing, highlighting the measurement aspect of width.

it was more extensive

Shifts the focus to the range or scope, rather than physical width.

it had a larger span

Emphasizes the distance covered from one side to the other.

it was increased in width

Highlights the action of becoming wider, rather than the state of being wider.

it was spread out further

Implies a distribution or expansion over a wider area.

it encompassed more area

Focuses on the total area covered, implying a widening of boundaries.

it had a wider scope

Shifts the meaning from physical dimension to the extent of influence or coverage.

it was more inclusive

Suggests a broadening in terms of what is included or considered.

FAQs

What does "it was wider" mean?

The phrase "it was wider" means that something had a greater width or breadth compared to something else or its previous state. It's a comparative statement indicating an increase in physical or abstract dimension.

What can I say instead of "it was wider"?

You can use alternatives like "it was broader", "it was more expansive", or "it was more extensive" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it was wider"?

It's appropriate to use "it was wider" when you want to directly compare the width of two objects, spaces, or concepts, indicating a clear difference in physical or abstract dimensions.

Is "it was wider" formal or informal language?

The phrase "it was wider" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was of greater width" might be preferred in highly formal writing.