most widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

"most widespread" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is widespread or commonly found, especially something that is spread over a large area. For example, you could say, "The most widespread form of entertainment in this country is watching television."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most widespread human fingerprint?

The New York Times

But the rats are the most widespread.

The Guardian

Some of the most widespread of.

The New York Times

The most widespread impact has been on education.

The New York Times

It was the archipelago's most widespread blaze in 50 years.

The New York Times

Soil erosion is the most widespread form of soil degradation.

Environment International

Temperate sclerophyllous forests are most widespread in Australia.

Britannica

But radium's most widespread use was for luminous paint.

The New York Times

Sea shipping is one of the most widespread transport modes.

Energy

Furocoumarins are the most widespread secondary metabolites in this species.

Phytomedicine

The solution with vertical heat exchangers is the most widespread.

Energy and Buildings

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most widespread" to describe phenomena, practices, or entities that are geographically dispersed or broadly adopted. For instance, "The most widespread use of solar energy is in water heating."

Common error

While "most widespread" emphasizes geographical or distributional reach, "most popular" refers to preference or favor. Avoid using "most widespread" when "most popular" is more appropriate. For example, say "The most popular smartphone brand" instead of "The most widespread smartphone brand" if you are talking about consumer preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most widespread" functions as a superlative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it has the greatest distribution or prevalence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. For example, in the phrase "the most widespread impact," it describes the extent of the impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most widespread" is a superlative adjective phrase denoting the greatest distribution or prevalence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. While synonyms like "most common" and "most prevalent" exist, "most widespread" specifically emphasizes geographical or distributional reach. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects broad distribution rather than mere popularity. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively convey the extensive nature of a phenomenon or entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most prevalent

Focuses on the common occurrence of something, highlighting its popularity or frequency.

most common

Emphasizes the frequent occurrence of something, suggesting it's typical or usual.

most extensive

Highlights the broad reach or scope of something, emphasizing its coverage or scale.

most prevalent

Emphasizes the high frequency of occurrence or acceptance.

most ubiquitous

Highlights the seemingly everywhere presence of something.

most predominant

Stresses the dominating influence or position of something.

most pervasive

Indicates that something spreads widely and affects many things.

most rife

Indicates something unpleasant or negative is very common or abundant.

most rampant

Suggests something undesirable is spreading uncontrollably.

largest-scale

This phrase emphasizes the magnitude and scope of something.

FAQs

How can I use "most widespread" in a sentence?

Use "most widespread" to describe something distributed or occurring over a large area or among a large number of people. For example, "The "most widespread" language in the world is English".

What's the difference between "most widespread" and "most common"?

"Most widespread" emphasizes geographical distribution or broad coverage, while "most common" focuses on frequency of occurrence. Though similar, "most widespread" suggests a greater spatial distribution. Consider using "most common" when you mean general occurrence.

What can I say instead of "most widespread"?

You can use alternatives like "most prevalent", ""most common"", or "most extensive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "widest spread" instead of "most widespread"?

While "widest spread" can convey a similar meaning, "most widespread" is the more conventional and grammatically standard phrasing. Sticking to "most widespread" ensures clarity and adherence to common usage.