wide arc

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wide arc" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or broad curve or trajectory, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The bird flew in a wide arc across the sky before landing on the tree branch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Sometimes it can seem that history is turning in a wide arc, toward an unknown shore.

The New York Times

To reach the fetus, Dr. Joseph Bruner slices a wide arc across Kelly's abdomen.

The New York Times - Magazine

Spooked, the men untied and rowed off in a needlessly wide arc.

The New Yorker

New houses stretch in a wide arc from north Dublin to the west of the city.

The New York Times

You could feel how this opened up a wide arc of space on that side.

The New York Times - Arts

SEEN through the wide arc of history, ours is an edgy, mistrusting moment.

The New York Times

A wide arc of Victorian inner suburb vanished under council housing so wretched it has since had to be rebuilt.

The Guardian

Mr. Bawlf, however, maintains that Drake never landed in California at all but sailed north from Mexico in a wide arc up the Pacific Coast.

The New York Times - Books

All of these make human rights champions in Russia, and a wide arc of opinion in the West, deeply skeptical, even hostile -- even before he starts to govern.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I took a too-wide arc but eventually saw a white marquee on a field, and sighted that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A week from today, in a roughly seventy-mile-wide arc stretching from Oregon to South Carolina, the sun will disappear from the sky.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical shapes or movements, consider the visual impact of "wide arc". It suggests a broad, noticeable curve or path. For example, "The river flowed in a wide arc across the plain."

Common error

Avoid using "wide arc" to describe abstract concepts that lack a sense of physical curvature or range. For instance, instead of saying "a wide arc of opinions", consider "a broad range of opinions" if there isn't an inherent sense of distribution or scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide arc" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object complement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a physical shape or path, frequently used to depict a curved or expansive form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wide arc" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions descriptively, often portraying physical shapes or paths. Its usage spans from neutral to formal registers, with significant presence in news and scientific domains. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its versatility in describing movements, spatial arrangements, and conceptual boundaries. Alternatives like "broad curve" or "sweeping curve" can be considered based on the specific context. When deploying "wide arc", ensure that the context aligns with a literal or figurative sense of a curved or expansive shape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad curve

Replaces "arc" with "curve", emphasizing the shape's form.

large curve

Uses "large" instead of "wide" to describe the curve's size.

wide sweep

Changes "arc" to "sweep", suggesting a broad, continuous movement or action.

sweeping curve

Replaces "wide" with "sweeping", highlighting the extent of the curve.

extensive range

Shifts from a physical shape to a conceptual extent or scope.

expansive scope

Replaces "arc" with "scope", highlighting the comprehensiveness of something.

considerable scope

Emphasizes the substantial extent of the coverage or influence.

broad spectrum

Replaces "arc" with "spectrum", implying a continuous range of possibilities or elements.

vast expanse

Substitutes "arc" with "expanse", focusing on the area covered.

extended reach

Substitutes "arc" with "reach", emphasizing the distance or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "wide arc" in a sentence?

You can use "wide arc" to describe a physical shape or movement, such as "The bird flew in a "wide arc" across the sky" or "The road followed a "wide arc" around the mountain."

What are some alternatives to "wide arc"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "broad curve", "sweeping curve", or "extensive range".

Is it appropriate to use "wide arc" in formal writing?

Yes, "wide arc" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing spatial relationships or movements. However, ensure the context aligns with the literal or figurative sense of a curved or expansive shape.

What is the difference between "wide arc" and "broad spectrum"?

"Wide arc" typically refers to a physical or figurative curve, while "broad spectrum" refers to a wide range of different but related ideas, qualities, or activities.