on a widespread scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a widespread scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs broadly or extensively across a large area or among a large number of people. Example: "The new policy was implemented on a widespread scale, affecting communities across the entire country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

• 1920s Rendering, the use of slaughterhouse remains for animal feed by farmers, begins on a widespread scale.

The Guardian

The lethal effect of DDT on the mosquito, its relative cheapness, and its ease of use on a widespread scale provided the answer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And since its introduction on a widespread scale within the last two decades, it has generally been considered very safe, according to Dr. Emanuel Kanal, a professor of radiology and neuroradiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The New York Times

Salt is produced on a widespread scale in Tuticorin District; it constitutes 70% of the total salt production of the state and meets almost 30% of the requirement of the country.

Applied Water Science

There comes a point where you have to wonder if a species can continue to survive on a widespread scale or if they will retreat to a few isolated pockets here and there.

BBC

Few would now deny that the use of organobromine compounds to achieve fire retardancy in a diverse array of products and materials has led to contamination of the ecosphere on a widespread scale.

Environment International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some cameras are already in use across the force but this is the first time they have been issued on such a widespread scale.

BBC

"Nor is there any evidence for the existence of 'benefit tourism' on any widespread scale.

The Guardian

Our finding of backcross individuals among the 'mature' trees suggests that hybridization between U. rubra and U. pumila may have begun soon after the first U. pumila introductions a century ago and continued on a more widespread scale.

Evolutionary Applications

For all the envious, bitter and often justified carping of their many detractors, it is probably only a matter of time before they are grudgingly accepted on a more widespread scale.

The Guardian - Sport

Advocacy groups for seniors argued that the lack of a COLA increase in Social Security will cause financial stress on a more widespread scale because it's eroding seniors' buying power overall, especially for healthcare.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: Determine if a synonym like "extensively" or "widely" might be more concise while retaining the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "on a widespread scale" in conjunction with words that already imply widespread occurrence. For example, saying "a widespread epidemic on a widespread scale" is redundant. Instead, use "a widespread epidemic" or "an epidemic on a large scale".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a widespread scale" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the extent or scope of an action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a widespread scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to emphasize the broad or extensive nature of an event or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used across various domains, including news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, it’s important to avoid redundancy and consider more concise synonyms like "widely" or "extensively" when appropriate. The phrase’s consistent usage and high source quality contribute to its reliability and effectiveness in conveying a sense of breadth and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a large scale

Focuses on the size or magnitude of the occurrence.

on a broad scale

Emphasizes the extensive range or scope of the occurrence.

on an extensive scale

Uses "extensive" to emphasize the breadth of the occurrence.

extensively

Adverb that directly describes something being widespread without the prepositional phrase.

widely

A simpler adverb emphasizing the breadth of occurrence.

on a massive scale

Highlights the immensity and impact of the occurrence.

on a global scale

Specifies that the occurrence spans the entire world.

on a grand scale

Implies an impressive or ambitious scale of activity.

across the board

Indicates that something applies to everyone or everything.

pervasively

Suggests a deep and all-encompassing spread.

FAQs

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

Use "on a widespread scale" to describe something that is happening extensively or affecting a large number of people or areas. For example: "The new policy was implemented "on a widespread scale" across the country."

What are some alternatives to "on a widespread scale"?

You can use alternatives such as "on a large scale", "widely", or "extensively" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on a wide scale" instead of "on a widespread scale"?

While "on a wide scale" might be understood, "on a widespread scale" is the more idiomatic and commonly used phrase to indicate something happening extensively. Using "on a widespread scale" is generally preferred.

What is the difference between "on a large scale" and "on a widespread scale"?

"On a large scale" emphasizes the size or magnitude of something, while "on a widespread scale" emphasizes its extensive reach or occurrence. They are similar but can be used to highlight different aspects of the same situation. Choose the one that best fits the context.