think wider

USAGE SUMMARY

"think wider" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used as an encouragement to consider something from a broader perspective or from multiple angles. For example, "If you want to find a solution to the problem, you should think wider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Reading texts produced over 1000 years ago can make us think wider and deeper than the binaries and labels we fight over today.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Think wide-leg trousers, long skirts, silk button-down blouses.

The New York Times

They think wide-fit means big people, but it doesn't at all.

The Guardian

Professional photographers and hobbyists think wide-angle lenses are necessary accessories, and Kodak thinks regular folk might enjoy taking extra-wide panoramic shots, too.

Forbes

Think wide-leg and boot-cut styles.

WikiHow

The key thing to do here is to think wide in their favourite topics.

WikiHow

Some 79% of 2,400 non-disabled people questioned also said they thought wider perceptions of disability had improved.

BBC

It is thought wider use of the HPV and other vaccines could prevent hundreds of thousands of cancers.

BBC

Democratic U.S. Representative Adam Schiff also said the U.S. sanctions announced on Monday must be matched quickly by Europe, and that he thought wider measures would be required over time.

Huffington Post

The money still has to be allocated by congressional appropriators, but Senator Nelson said he thought wide support on Capitol Hill for Nasa would ensure its activities were not denied funding as a result of more general arguments over federal spending and the need to reduce the nation's deficit.

BBC

If you really gave it your all, think about wider options.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing complex problems, actively challenge your initial assumptions. Use the phrase "think wider" as a reminder to explore diverse perspectives and unconventional solutions before committing to a course of action.

Common error

Don't mistake superficially scanning numerous topics for genuine understanding. To "think wider" effectively, ensure you also delve deeply into key areas relevant to your broadened perspective, integrating detailed knowledge with a broad overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think wider" functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a broader perspective or consider a more extensive range of possibilities. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's used to encourage a more holistic approach.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think wider" is a grammatically correct phrase used to encourage a more comprehensive or expansive perspective. Though rare, it is readily understandable and versatile across various contexts, from news and media to more informal discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear, and while alternatives like "broaden your thinking" or "consider the bigger picture" may offer greater nuance, "think wider" serves as a succinct and effective call for broader, more holistic consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broaden your thinking

This alternative emphasizes expanding the scope of one's thoughts.

expand your perspective

This suggests increasing the range of viewpoints considered.

consider the bigger picture

This directs attention to the overall context and implications.

take a broader view

This encourages a less narrow and more inclusive outlook.

think more comprehensively

This focuses on thoroughness and completeness in thought.

look at the larger context

This prompts consideration of surrounding factors and influences.

widen your horizons

This phrase encourages exploring new ideas and experiences.

think outside the box

This suggests moving away from conventional and limited thinking.

adopt a global mindset

This alternative encourages considering issues from an international perspective.

take a step back and assess

This suggests distancing oneself to gain a clearer, broader view.

FAQs

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

You can use "think wider" to encourage considering multiple perspectives or a larger context. For example, "To solve this problem, we need to "think wider" and consider all possible solutions."

What does it mean to "think wider"?

To "think wider" means to consider a broader range of factors, perspectives, or possibilities when analyzing a situation or making a decision. It involves stepping back from narrow viewpoints and encompassing more comprehensive understanding.

What's a similar phrase to "think wider"?

Similar phrases include "broaden your thinking", "expand your perspective", or "consider the bigger picture".

How does "think wider" differ from "think deeper"?

"Think wider" encourages considering a greater range of factors, while "think deeper" encourages more thorough analysis of a specific factor. One focuses on breadth, the other on depth.