wide enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wide enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has sufficient width for a particular purpose or requirement. Example: "The table is wide enough to accommodate all the guests comfortably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are they wide enough?

The Guardian

So, better lay out wide enough streets.

Yale University

His interests were not wide enough".

The New York Times - Arts

All close calls are wide enough.

The New York Times - Books

"The gateway's not been wide enough".

The Guardian

The scope of the Cancer Drugs Fund isn't wide enough".

Independent

Where the natural levee was wide enough, plantations were established.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sofa is wide enough to accommodate four.

The Guardian - Travel

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

The New York Times - Books

"I don't think my scope is wide enough.

The Guardian - Arts

They're just wide enough to lie down in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wide enough", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the width is sufficient for. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "wide enough" without specifying what it needs to be wide enough for. For example, instead of saying "The space wasn't wide enough", specify "The space wasn't "wide enough" for the table".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide enough" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses the necessary or sufficient width. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is typically used to describe the dimensions of physical objects, spaces or more abstract concepts such as scope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wide enough" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has sufficient width for a given purpose. Ludwig AI analysis affirms its validity and frequent use across varied contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to specify what the width is sufficient for to maintain clarity. Common alternatives include "sufficiently wide" and "broad enough". Remember to provide context to avoid ambiguity and enhance understanding. This phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently wide

More formal alternative, emphasizing adequacy in width.

adequately wide

Similar to "sufficiently wide", but perhaps slightly less formal.

broad enough

Emphasizes the extent of coverage or scope rather than just physical width.

of adequate width

Similar to "sufficiently wide", but using a slightly different phrasing.

large enough in width

More descriptive, specifying that it's the width that's being considered.

generously wide

Emphasizes that the width is more than just sufficient, it's abundant.

ample in width

Implies more than enough width, suggesting abundance.

of sufficient breadth

A more formal way of saying something has enough width, often used in abstract contexts.

spacious enough

Focuses on the feeling of openness created by the width.

extensive enough

Implies a considerable width or reach.

FAQs

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

Use "wide enough" to describe something that has sufficient width for a specific purpose. For example, "Is the doorway "wide enough" for the wheelchair to pass through?".

What are some alternatives to saying "wide enough"?

You can use phrases like "sufficiently wide", "broad enough", or "large enough in width" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what "wide enough" refers to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what something is "wide enough" for enhances clarity and avoids potential ambiguity. Omitting this information can sometimes confuse the reader.

What is the difference between "wide enough" and "too wide"?

"Wide enough" indicates that something meets the minimum requirement for width, whereas "too wide" means that something exceeds the ideal or necessary width, potentially causing problems.