previously wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously wider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was broader or more expansive in the past compared to its current state. Example: "The river was previously wider, allowing for larger boats to navigate its waters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Alternatively, the present population genetic structure might be the result of a bottleneck effect, consequence of the fragmentation of a previously wider species distribution range that was reduced due to land-use changes (Arenas et al. 2012).

AoB PLANTS

The recent advent of relative drought episodes in the Canaries would have reduced the previously wider distribution of P. epigaea to dark, humid forest pockets remaining at altitudes between 500 and 700 m, especially in the more humid northern and north-eastern face of the island.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Equally worrying for his campaign, the previously wide gap between Netanyahu and Herzog on the question of who voters believe to be most suitable to lead Israel had, by Friday, closed to a narrow margin.

The Guardian

This was not the case by the year 2008, both before and after adjusting for differences in the composition of our two samples, serving at least as an indication that the previously wide urban-rural gap may have now narrowed.

BMC Public Health

Previously such wider analyses of floral gene expression were limited to the eudicot model plant A. thaliana [9], [10].

Plosone

HHV-8 seroprevalence at enrollment was higher among MSM, compared to multiple-partner heterosexuals, confirming the previously reported wider diffusion of the infection among homosexual men.

BMC Infectious Diseases

While there is no evidence Barwell, the party's former chief operating officer, spends his spare time sifting through dating sites, he has previously revealed wide interests as a fan of rappers Public Enemy, author Joan Collins and soap opera Dynasty.

The Guardian - Tech

We previously reported wide variation in practice amongst clinicians in the United Kingdom in the use of oxytocin at caesarean section.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Negotiations were previously UK-wide, but that changed when a pay review body's recommendations were rejected.

BBC

Model parameters for the SIC process and its kinetics are identified based on previously published wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) results.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The possible integration within a company's environmental management system (EMS), taking Philips as the example, has been described in previously world-wide distributed and publicly available management guidelines called 'Point of no return'.

Corporate Environmental Strategy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously wider", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared and the specific aspect in which it was wider. For example, "The river was "previously wider", allowing for easier navigation."

Common error

Avoid using "previously wider" when the context implies the subject is currently wider. "Previously" indicates a past state, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously wider" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that it had a greater extent or scope in the past. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in describing distribution ranges and urban-rural gaps.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously wider" is an adjectival modifier indicating a past state of greater breadth, according to Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and primarily used in scientific and news contexts to provide historical context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, although its frequency is rare. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the subject being described and the specific aspect in which it was wider in the past. Be mindful of tense consistency to avoid misrepresenting the current state of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly extensive

Replaces "previously" with "formerly" and "wider" with "extensive", maintaining the sense of a past, larger scope.

earlier broader

Substitutes "previously" with "earlier" and "wider" with "broader", indicating a less recent and more inclusive state.

once more expansive

Uses "once" to indicate a past time and "more expansive" to convey a greater range or scope.

in the past, more widespread

Rephrases the idea to explicitly state "in the past" with "more widespread" replacing "wider".

used to be broader

Expresses the concept using "used to be", indicating a past state of being broader.

formerly larger in scope

Replaces "wider" with "larger in scope" to specify the aspect of size and range.

had a greater extent

Focuses on the extent or range, indicating a past state of greater magnitude.

previously more comprehensive

Changes "wider" to "more comprehensive", suggesting a broader inclusion or understanding.

was once more inclusive

Indicates that something was more encompassing or including of various elements in the past.

earlier more all-encompassing

Conveys a sense of a previous state that covered everything more completely.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously wider" to describe something that had a broader extent in the past compared to its current state. For example: "The distribution range was "previously wider" before habitat fragmentation occurred".

What are some alternatives to "previously wider"?

Some alternatives include "formerly extensive", "earlier broader", or "once more expansive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more wider" instead of "previously wider"?

No, "more wider" is grammatically incorrect. "Wider" is already a comparative adjective. You could say "much wider" or, for a past state, use "previously wider".

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

"Previously wider" indicates that something was broader in the past, but is no longer so. "Currently wider" indicates that something is broader at the present time. They describe opposite temporal states.