wide compass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wide compass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad range or scope of something, often in contexts like discussions, studies, or analyses. Example: "The research covers a wide compass of topics related to environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In the rich world, we have a slightly wider compass of freedom and debate, but that is closing.

The Guardian - Film

The journal has expanded its purview from the major figures of Victorian England (Tennyson, Browning, the Rossettis, etc). to a wider compass of poets of all classes and gender indentifications in nineteenth-century Britain and the Commonwealth.

Johns Hopkins University

Without changing how wide the compass is spread, move the compass point to the other end.

WikiHow

An extraordinary compass ... and a very wide range of vocal color have something to do with this divergence of opinion".

Wikipedia

The independent inquiry involves a wide range of groups inside the party, including Compass, Progress, the Fabian Society, the Co-operative party, and the Labour group of the Local Government Association.

The Guardian

It's also the technology that allows Compass to provide a similar level of benchmarking accuracy to a wide range of businesses — from restaurants to retail.

TechCrunch

Another fruit of this approach is the exuberant and wide-ranging "Compass: Folk Art in Four Directions," a dense exhibition of nearly 200 works shoehorned into four galleries in the early-19th-century row houses that are now the home of the South Street Seaport Museum.

The New York Times - Arts

SAGE is administered by the ARC and is funded in part by the University-wide HHMI COMPASS Project.

Duke University

If the two arcs do not intersect, then either you didn't draw the arcs long enough, or you didn't open the compass wide enough.

WikiHow

Folk songs span as wide a range of subjects as any musical genre, from political compass to the deeply personal.

The New York Times

You could envision it working, for example, on real estate owners' own sites, or on the sites of the companies where other office products are sold, as well as potentially in apps that are providing location-aware information on a wider scale — Urban Compass, which shares an investor with 42Floors (Thrive and the Kushners), is one that comes to mind.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wide compass", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a broad range, scope, or a figurative guidance system such as a moral compass. The phrase works best when followed by a noun that specifies what the "compass" encompasses, for example, "a wide compass of research topics".

Common error

Avoid using "wide compass" in contexts where a simpler, more direct phrase like "broad range" or "extensive scope" would be clearer. Overusing metaphorical language can sometimes obscure the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide compass" functions primarily as a modifier followed by a noun, indicating a broad scope or range. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its usage in describing the extent of discussions, studies, or artistic endeavors. It adds a sense of breadth to the noun it modifies.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wide compass" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a broad range or scope, according to Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it's versatile enough for use in news, academic writing, and general contexts. The phrase can add depth by emphasizing the extent of something being discussed. Consider alternatives like "broad scope" or "extensive range" for clarity, and ensure the context supports the use of a more figurative phrase. While grammatically correct, its relative infrequency suggests using it judiciously to maintain clarity. Remember to adapt your choice based on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad scope

Focuses on the extent or range covered.

extensive range

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the subject.

wide scope

Similar to "broad scope" but emphasizes the area covered.

broad spectrum

Implies a continuous range of possibilities or values.

comprehensive coverage

Stresses the thoroughness of the inclusion.

extensive survey

Emphasizes a detailed investigation covering a lot of ground.

ample latitude

Suggests a great deal of freedom or flexibility.

expansive view

Highlights a broad perspective or understanding.

inclusive perspective

Focuses on incorporating a variety of viewpoints.

Moral compass

More specifically refers to ethical or moral guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "wide compass" to describe a broad range of topics or ideas, such as "The discussion covered a "wide compass" of political issues".

What phrases are similar to "wide compass"?

Alternatives to "wide compass" include "broad scope", "extensive range", or "wide scope", depending on the specific context.

Is "wide compass" the same as "moral compass"?

While "wide compass" generally refers to a broad scope or range, "moral compass" specifically denotes a sense of right and wrong that guides one's behavior. The phrases aren't interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "wide compass" over other similar phrases?

Use "wide compass" when you want to emphasize both the breadth and the guiding nature of something. For example, when discussing a study that not only covers many areas but also helps orient future research.