on a widespread basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on a widespread basis' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something is happening frequently or throughout a larger area. For example, "The use of digital technology has grown on a widespread basis in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Such payments have never been disclosed on a widespread basis.

The New York Times

But Mr. Rubin was very likely the first to pop corn in machines on a widespread basis in theaters.

The New York Times

Those inquiries have led to concerns in Congress about the agency's ability to collect and read domestic e-mail messages of Americans on a widespread basis, officials said.

The New York Times

Housing activists and anti-discrimination experts concede that they have no concrete evidence that voucher holders are being turned away because of racial bias on a widespread basis.

The New York Times

Most of these people point to the need to conduct long-term research, since cell phones have been available on a widespread basis only since the 1980's.

The New York Times - Tech

Not only does market impact unquestionably exist in this case; that impact would be devastating if MDS's practices were upheld and replicated on a widespread basis.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

There is nothing in American history that compares with this aspect of his behavior: a public candidate and now president-elect, who is not only willing but eager to raise the public temperature so significantly, so often, and on such a widespread basis.

Harvard University

On the other hand, older, more established organizations are less likely to be using cloud on such a widespread basis.

Forbes

As can be seen on quite a widespread basis, NSAGs with effective control over an area of territory sometimes voluntarily undertake some human rights obligations.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

It is unacceptable that proven fraud is occurring on such a widespread basis.

Huffington Post

"Consumer preferences and purchases may shift due to a host of factors," including "the potential legalization of marijuana use on a more widespread basis within the United States," warned the Brown-Forman Corpublicly, a publicly traded liquor manufacturer that produces many well-known brands including Jack Daniel's and Southern Comfort, in a recent SEC filing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a widespread basis" to emphasize the extensive reach or common occurrence of a phenomenon, especially when contrasting it with limited or isolated instances.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "on a widespread basis" can sometimes sound redundant in formal writing. Consider using more concise alternatives like "widely" or "extensively" to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a widespread basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the extent or scope of an action or state. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a widespread basis" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to emphasize the broad extent or common occurrence of an action or event. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. While its register is generally neutral, it tends to appear more often in news, scientific, and academic contexts. It’s important to consider more concise alternatives like "widely" or "extensively" in formal writing to prevent redundancy. The analysis indicates that the phrase is most frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely

This alternative is shorter and implies common occurrence across a population or area.

on a large scale

This emphasizes the magnitude or scope of the activity or phenomenon.

extensively

This alternative is more concise and directly implies a large scope of occurrence.

broadly

This term suggests wide acceptance or application, focusing on range.

pervasively

This term suggests that something is spread throughout and affects many things.

across the board

This phrase indicates that something affects all areas or groups equally.

commonly

This indicates that something happens often or is generally known.

generally

Suggests that something is true or applicable in most cases.

universally

Implies that something applies to everyone or everything.

in many places

This is a simple and direct way to express widespread occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "on a widespread basis" in a sentence?

Use "on a widespread basis" to describe something that occurs or is implemented extensively. For example, "The technology is now used "widely" in schools".

What are some alternatives to saying "on a widespread basis"?

You can use alternatives like "widely", "extensively", or "broadly" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "widely" or "on a widespread basis"?

"Widely" is often more concise and direct. However, "on a widespread basis" can add emphasis to the extensive nature of the occurrence, so the best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What does "on a widespread basis" mean?

It means that something is happening or being done extensively or in many places. It implies a broad reach or common occurrence.