very widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very widespread" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is very prevalent or has spread over a wide area. For example, "The use of mobile phones has become very widespread in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is very widespread.

The New Yorker

It's very widespread.

Yale University

— but it is also very widespread.

The New Yorker

Dierdre English: They're very widespread throughout many, many companies.

University of California, Berkeley

This attitude may be delusional, but it is very widespread.

The New York Times

It was formerly very widespread, but has now collapsed back.

The Guardian

But, certainly, Oskar-like traits are very widespread.

The New York Times

The belief in fair rules is very widespread.

The Guardian - Opinion

He added that "very widespread concern exists" about the situation.

The New York Times

Jodi Kantor: They're very widespread, and things are beginning to change a little bit.

University of California, Berkeley

TCP/IP is a very widespread networking method linking machines locally and around the world.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the reach of an idea, phenomenon, or practice, use "very widespread" to indicate it's present in many places or among many people. Ensure that your context supports this wide distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "very widespread" when describing something that is only common in a specific region or among a limited group. Using it inaccurately can weaken your argument and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very widespread" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent or prevalence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very widespread" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes the extensive prevalence or distribution of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. When using "very widespread", ensure that it accurately reflects the breadth and scale of the subject. While alternatives like "highly prevalent" or "extremely common" exist, "very widespread" uniquely emphasizes both frequency and distribution. Remember to avoid overstating the scope and consider the neutral register of the phrase for appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensively prevalent

Focuses on the degree of commonness across a large area, a nuance that might be crucial in specific contexts.

highly prevalent

Emphasizes common occurrence or acceptance, rather than solely geographic spread.

extremely common

Highlights the frequency of occurrence, possibly understating the geographical extent.

remarkably common

Highlights the unexpectedness of the prevalence, introducing a subjective element.

widely diffused

Suggests gradual spread or dissemination, potentially lacking the emphasis on current prevalence.

largely diffused

Focuses on the distribution aspect with less emphasis on the intensity compared to "very widespread".

broadly distributed

Highlights the geographic spread of something, downplaying its incidence.

pervasively present

Conveys the sense of being thoroughly ingrained or affecting everything, which might be an overstatement in certain contexts.

ubiquitously found

Implies near-universal presence, which might be a stronger claim than "very widespread" suggests.

generally accepted

Indicates broad agreement or approval, diverging from the notion of physical spread or occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "very widespread" in a sentence?

Use "very widespread" to describe something prevalent or distributed across a large area. For example, "The use of smartphones is "very widespread" among young adults".

What are some alternatives to "very widespread"?

You can use alternatives like "highly prevalent", "extremely common", or "broadly distributed" depending on the specific context.

Is it more correct to say "very widespread" or "extremely widespread"?

Both "very widespread" and "extremely widespread" are grammatically correct and understandable. "Extremely widespread" emphasizes a higher degree of prevalence than "very widespread".

What's the difference between "very widespread" and "common"?

"Common" simply indicates that something occurs frequently. "Very widespread" implies that something is not only frequent but also distributed over a large area or among a large group of people. The phrase "very widespread" adds a dimension of scale that "common" lacks.