was not wide enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not wide enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that lacks sufficient width, whether it's a physical object or a metaphorical concept. Example: "The doorframe was not wide enough to accommodate the new furniture we purchased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Still, that range was not wide enough on Saturday; the six companies that performed all showed work that was safe, formulaic, agreeable, uncontroversial, intermittently charming and forgettable.

The New York Times - Arts

The room had French windows and a little balcony, which was not wide enough to sit on but gave the room a Continental chic.

The New Yorker

Though the release was not wide enough, long enough, or adequately promoted, just getting to see the movie is what matters, and the film aroused so much passion from critics that exhibitors (such as Cinema Village and Film Society of Lincoln Center) brought it back and back again.

The New Yorker

"Not many people were interested in the products and the variety was not wide enough for people to do all their shopping in a health-foods store" Now, he said, a full line of products is available, including soups that are freshly cooked daily.

The New York Times

However, the frequency range was not wide enough.

Earth, Planets and Space

That's mean maybe the level range we chose before was not wide enough to get the greatest growth rate.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

(My circle wasn't wide enough to encompass any Braun campaigners).

The New York Times - Books

(Only a cover of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" fell flat; Mr. Castro's voice wasn't wide enough to pull it off).

The New York Times - Arts

As the too-tight condom wasn't wide enough to roll down his penis fully, the excess latex rubbed against his girlfriend's vagina.

Independent

It wasn't wide enough for cartoons; you needed two passes to scan one, then the software would stitch the image together.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, the shelf wasn't wide enough for me to screw its edges into the wall's outer frame, so I put that particular plan on the, uh, back burner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "narrow" or "insufficiently broad" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was not wide enough" when you actually mean something else lacks overall capacity or range. For instance, instead of saying "The training program was not wide enough", consider "The training program wasn't comprehensive enough" if you want to describe the coverage of topics, instead of physical width.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not wide enough" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a deficiency in width. Ludwig's examples showcase its application in various contexts, such as physical spaces and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was not wide enough" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe a deficiency in width. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While direct and clear, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "too narrow" or "insufficiently broad" can enhance your writing style. Be mindful to only use it to qualify widths, and avoid using it in a broader metaphorical sense for things as depth, or range, as the AI pointed out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was too narrow

Uses a simpler adjective to convey insufficient width.

lacked the necessary width

Highlights the absence of required width.

was insufficiently broad

Uses 'broad' as a synonym for 'wide', suggesting a lack of expanse.

did not have sufficient breadth

Emphasizes a lack of scope or range, rather than physical width.

didn't provide adequate clearance

Focuses on the resulting lack of space for something to pass or fit.

was not spacious enough

Emphasizes a lack of overall space, including width.

the span was inadequate

Highlights the insufficient reach or extent.

the opening was too small

Focuses on the size of an opening rather than a general width.

it didn't have enough traverse

Emphasizes a lack of range of motion or scope.

its reach was limited

Focuses on the restricted extent or capability.

FAQs

What does "was not wide enough" mean?

The phrase "was not wide enough" means something lacked the necessary or sufficient width for a particular purpose or situation. It indicates that the dimension across a space or object was smaller than required.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "was not wide enough"?

Use "was not wide enough" when specifically referring to the dimension of width and its inadequacy. For example, "The road "was not wide enough" for two cars to pass safely".

What are some alternatives to saying "was not wide enough"?

Alternatives include "was too narrow", lacked sufficient width, or was insufficiently broad. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "was not wide enough" formal or informal?

The phrase "was not wide enough" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more sophisticated language might be appropriate for highly formal writing.