to be widening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be widening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or action where something is becoming larger or more extensive over time. Example: "The gap between the two communities seems to be widening as tensions rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alas, the data-control divide appears to be widening.

The New York Times - Tech

The list of targets also appears to be widening.

The New York Times

In fact, Mr. Corzine appears to be widening his lead.

The New York Times

The fighting also appears to be widening into nearby neighbourhoods.

The Guardian

But the gap between the social spheres seems to be widening.

The New York Times

In other words, the gap seems to be widening, not shrinking.

The New York Times

But even as he spoke the Egyptian military appeared to be widening its crackdown.

The New York Times

But what you might not know is that it appears to be widening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, the gap between the Africans and Europeans seems to be widening.

The New York Times

But the rift between the generals and White House only seems to be widening.

The Guardian - Opinion

That disconnect between democratic self-determination and the realities of work appears to be widening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be widening" to describe the increasing separation or divergence between two or more entities. For example, "The gap between rich and poor seems to be widening."

Common error

Avoid using "to be widening" to describe the literal expansion of physical objects unless the expansion is more metaphorical. Instead of "The road is to be widening", use "The road is being widened."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be widening" functions as a verb phrase in the continuous tense, indicating an ongoing process of expansion or divergence. Ludwig AI shows examples where it describes the increase in gaps, rifts, or inequalities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be widening" is a versatile verb phrase that describes the continuous process of something becoming larger, more extensive, or more divergent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed, particularly in news and media contexts to depict increasing gaps, rifts, or inequalities. While alternatives like "to be expanding" or "to be increasing" exist, "to be widening" carries a specific connotation of separation or divergence. When using "to be widening", ensure that it logically connects to the subject you're describing. Avoid using it for literal widening actions concerning tangible objects. By following these tips, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "to be widening" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be expanding

Refers to an increase in size or scope, similar to widening, but can also imply geographical expansion.

to be increasing

Indicates a growth in number, amount, or intensity, differing from widening in that it doesn't necessarily imply physical expansion.

to be growing

Suggests a gradual process of becoming larger or more developed, differing from widening in its emphasis on natural or organic development.

to be escalating

Implies a rapid increase, often in intensity or severity, whereas widening can be more gradual.

to be diverging

Focuses on the act of moving apart or differing, whereas widening can refer to simple expansion.

to be amplifying

Refers to increasing the amplitude or intensity, often in the context of sound or signals, differing from widening in its specific application.

to be extending

Implies making something longer or reaching further, differing from widening in its focus on length rather than breadth.

to be intensifying

Suggests making something stronger or more concentrated, differing from widening in its emphasis on strength rather than size.

to be stretching

Implies pulling something to make it longer or wider, which can convey the sense of widening, but also connotes tension or strain.

to be amplifying

Indicates an increase in the intensity or audibility of something, differing from widening in its sensory focus.

FAQs

How can I use "to be widening" in a sentence?

You can use "to be widening" to describe a gap, divide, or difference that is increasing over time. For example, "The divide between urban and rural communities appears "to be widening"".

What are some alternatives to using "to be widening"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "to be expanding", "to be increasing", or "to be growing" as alternatives to "to be widening".

Is it more appropriate to say "the gap is widening" or "the gap is to be widening"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "the gap is widening" is more common and natural in most contexts. "The gap is "to be widening"" suggests a future or planned action.

What's the difference between "to be widening" and "to widen"?

"To widen" is an infinitive indicating the action of making something wider. "To be widening" is a continuous form, indicating that the process of widening is ongoing. For example, "They plan to widen the road" vs. "The road appears "to be widening" due to erosion".