not so wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so wide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as wide as something else or not wide in general. Example: "The path is not so wide, making it difficult for two people to walk side by side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The gulf between us is not so wide.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Broadly speaking, however, the gap between the public perception of die-offs and the scientific interpretation is not so wide.

The New Yorker

As for expense, the gap was not so wide, and was almost nothing after the excess baggage fee.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Colorado, however, Mr. Obama's lead among women is not so wide, according to a new poll for Quinnipiac University/The New York Times/CBS News.

The New York Times

Now Mother opened the door — not so wide that she could see us, or us her — and announced that she was going to bed.

The New Yorker

Just arrived in Cocoa Beach, FL – one of the widest beaches in the state is not so wide thanks to #sandy http://t.co/hVR2wvdS — Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) 26 Oct 12 A tropical storm watch has been issued for most of the Carolinas because tropical force winds onshore and offshore are expected as the storm moves north in the coming days before veering west.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Despite all these benefits and applicability of multispectral imaging, its use is still not so wider.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Paula Span gets a lot of it just right in "The Hudson Isn't So Wide Anymore" (May 15).

The New York Times

"The Hudson Isn't So Wide Anymore" reveals nothing so much as the parochial contempt that many New Yorkers continue to have for the rest of America.

The New York Times

Please say it ain't so! Wide World of Sports (@wwos9) LIVE | A rumour circulating that Brad Haddin may retire from Test cricket at the end of this series… #Ashes #PinkTest January 3 , 20143.54am GMT 48th over: Australia 181-5 (Smith 40 Haddin 49) As Stuart Broad continues, Shane Warne is daring Alastair Cook to bowl his mate KP.

The Guardian - Sport

However, as some analysts pointed out, the terms of the deal aren't so wide apart, and the RBS deal effectively included an agreement not to claim a 5.0 billion pound ($6.9 billion) toxic asset, raising the value of the deal.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so wide" to subtly indicate that something is smaller in width than expected or desired, adding nuance to your descriptions.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "not so wide" as it can sound conversational. Opt for more precise terms like "narrower" or "less broad" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so wide" functions as a degree modifier, specifically serving to moderate or diminish the extent of the adjective "wide". It suggests that something is less wide than it could be or less wide than another item.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not so wide" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to temper the degree of wideness, often in comparison to an implied expectation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, from news and science to general writing. While it's suitable for neutral registers, it may be better to use alternatives in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. Understanding its nuances, as shown by the diverse examples, can enhance clarity and precision in descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not very wide

Emphasizes the lack of significant width.

somewhat narrow

Indicates a moderate degree of narrowness.

relatively thin

Focuses on the lack of thickness or breadth.

less broad

Highlights a smaller extent of broadness.

not particularly broad

Stresses the absence of notable broadness.

slightly constricted

Suggests a minor reduction in width.

a bit restricted

Implies a certain limitation in width.

not as extensive

Emphasizes the reduced scope or range.

moderately slim

Indicates a certain degree of slenderness.

fairly compact

Focuses on the reduced size and compactness.

FAQs

How can I use "not so wide" in a sentence?

"Not so wide" is used to describe something that has a smaller width than another object or expectation. For example: "The river was "not so wide" at this point, making it easy to cross".

What are some alternatives to "not so wide"?

Alternatives include "not very wide", "somewhat narrow", or "less broad". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "not so wide"?

Yes, "not so wide" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe something's width.

What's the difference between "not so wide" and "narrow"?

"Narrow" directly states that something has a small width. "Not so wide" implies a comparison, suggesting the item is less wide than something else or less wide than expected.