once wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once wider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was previously broader or more expansive than it currently is. Example: "The river was once wider, but years of sediment buildup have narrowed its banks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Indeed, the total return could easily be much larger – roughly double – once wider benefits to the individual are taken into account.

Independent

Even the profits to be made on making markets in more obscure emerging-market currencies, where spreads were once wider, have evaporated.

The Economist

The figures are far higher than official data once wider measures of joblessness are included, it said.

BBC

It's clear to me that quantum computing can serve the greater good through an open-source, collaborative research and development approach that I believe will prevail once wider access to this technology is available.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Aaron Ross, Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster, once wide-eyed young cornerbacks, are now veterans.

The New York Times - Sports

A young boy narrates the events, at once wide-eyed and sophisticated.

The New Yorker

It made for a grim ending for our once wide-eyed hero.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His once wide lead was down to 6 percentage points last week.

The New York Times

Once wide-ranging, the various population groups have become geographically isolated, hemmed in by a shroud of fear.

The New York Times

As a tourist destination, Hollywood is a bit of a tease, at once wide-open and hermetic.

The New York Times - Travel

From the foothills west of Denver to the scenic, narrow canyons of northern Utah, flood plains that were once wide-open spaces have been built up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once wider", ensure that the context clearly establishes a comparison between a past state and the present condition. For instance, "The river was "once wider", but now it's narrower due to drought."

Common error

Avoid using "once wider" when the timeframe isn't clearly defined or understood. For example, stating "The path was "once wider" without specifying when or why it changed can lead to confusion. Provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once wider" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a descriptive adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It modifies a noun, indicating a past state where something possessed greater width.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once wider" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that had a greater width or extent in the past. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts such as news articles and scientific publications. For alternative expressions, consider using "formerly broader" or "previously more expansive". When using "once wider", ensure that the timeframe and context are clear to avoid any confusion. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a descriptive adjective, serving the communicative purpose of describing historical states that differ from the current one. While adaptable to various registers, it leans towards a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly broader

Replaces "once" with "formerly", emphasizing the past state more directly and replaces "wider" with its synonymous "broader".

previously more expansive

Uses "previously" instead of "once", and "more expansive" as a substitute for "wider" to convey a sense of greater scale in the past.

used to be wider

Employs the "used to be" construction to indicate a past state of being wider, offering a more common and straightforward alternative.

was once broader

Swaps "wider" with the synonym "broader", while keeping "once" to maintain the temporal aspect, slightly altering the flow of the phrase.

at one time wider

Inserts "at one time" in place of "once" to highlight the historical context of something being wider.

in the past, wider

Replaces "once" with "in the past" for emphasis, creating a slightly more descriptive but less concise alternative.

formerly more extensive

Combines "formerly" with "more extensive" to replace "once wider", providing a more formal tone and a focus on the scope.

previously greater in width

Offers a detailed and explicit alternative by specifying "greater in width" instead of simply "wider", clarifying the aspect of measurement.

once larger

Substitutes "wider" with "larger", suggesting a greater overall size rather than just width, which broadens the scope of the phrase.

in earlier times, wider

Replaces "once" with "in earlier times" for a more evocative and descriptive alternative, adding a sense of historical depth.

FAQs

How can I use "once wider" in a sentence?

You can use "once wider" to describe something that used to have a larger width or extent than it does now. For example, "The river was "once wider", but erosion has narrowed it over the years."

What is a good alternative to "once wider"?

Alternatives include "formerly broader", "previously more expansive", or "used to be wider", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "once wider" grammatically correct?

Yes, "once wider" is grammatically correct. It's a valid phrase to describe something that had a greater width in the past.

What's the difference between "once wider" and "previously wider"?

While both phrases are similar, "once wider" often implies a more distant past or a significant change, whereas "previously wider" can refer to a more recent or less dramatic difference.