should be wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be wider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the dimensions or breadth of an object, concept, or idea that you believe needs to be increased. Example: "The road should be wider to accommodate the increasing traffic flow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Everyone agreed that the screen should be wider.

The New York Times - Arts

For adequate support, a saddle should be wider than a rider's sit bones.

The New York Times

The first objective should be wider fields of vision, beyond aid, focused especially on conflict.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm paid about 20 times more than the average Ryanair employee and I think the gap should be wider".

The Guardian - Business

The treads (the part you step on) should be wider - at least 9 or 10 inches front to back.

The New York Times

The foundation block width should be wider than it is tall to overcome the cantilever effect experienced by most reciprocating engines or compressors.

The Grouting Handbook A Step-by-Step Guide to Heavy Equipment Grouting

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Ideally, they should be wide enough for two people to comfortably stroll.

The New York Times

Dough should be wide enough to slightly overlap when wrapped around tube.

The New York Times

The competition to play with Dempsey is, and should be, wide open.

The New York Times

The next round should be wide-ranging, so as to mobilise business support for freer trade.

The Economist

When used with sensors, the strips should be wide enough to cover all sensors mounted on the equipment.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be wider", ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically needs to be expanded or broadened. For example, specify whether you're referring to a physical space, a range of options, or a scope of consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "should be wider" without specifying what needs to be wider. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations and lack of clear direction. Always provide context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be wider" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation or suggestion for expansion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English. Examples illustrate this usage across various contexts, from physical dimensions to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

27%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be wider" is a grammatically sound phrase used to recommend or suggest expansion in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally neutral in tone, its appropriateness depends on the specific subject matter, with usage spanning from physical dimensions to abstract concepts. To ensure clarity, always specify what needs to be expanded. Common alternatives include "ought to be broader" and "needs to be more extensive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be broader

Replaces "should" with "ought to" and "wider" with "broader", maintaining similar meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

needs to be more extensive

Substitutes "should be wider" with "needs to be more extensive", emphasizing the necessity for greater reach or scope.

has to be expanded

Changes "should be wider" to "has to be expanded", highlighting the requirement for enlargement or growth.

must be more comprehensive

Replaces "should be wider" with "must be more comprehensive", focusing on the need for greater inclusivity or thoroughness.

requires greater breadth

Changes "should be wider" to "requires greater breadth", emphasizing the necessity for increased range or scope.

demands more latitude

Substitutes "should be wider" with "demands more latitude", highlighting the need for increased freedom or flexibility.

warrants greater outreach

Replaces "should be wider" with "warrants greater outreach", focusing on the need for increased engagement or communication.

merits further enlargement

Changes "should be wider" to "merits further enlargement", emphasizing the justification for continued growth or expansion.

justifies increased span

Substitutes "should be wider" with "justifies increased span", highlighting the reasoning for a broader scope or range.

calls for more inclusiveness

Replaces "should be wider" with "calls for more inclusiveness", focusing on the demand for greater diversity or representation.

FAQs

What does "should be wider" mean?

The phrase "should be wider" suggests that something needs to be expanded, broadened, or increased in scope or dimension. It implies a need for greater inclusivity or extensiveness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "should be wider"?

Use "should be wider" when you want to express that something needs to encompass more, be more inclusive, or have a greater range or scope. This can apply to physical spaces, abstract concepts, or sets of options.

What are some alternatives to "should be wider"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be broader", "needs to be more extensive", or "has to be expanded" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "should be wider" and "should be broad"?

While both imply a need for expansion, "should be wider" often suggests increasing physical dimension or scope, whereas "should be broad" might emphasize inclusivity or variety. For instance, "the road should be wider" refers to physical width, while "the definition should be broad" refers to encompassing more ideas.