wide following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wide following" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of supporters or fans of a person, idea, or movement. Example: "The author has gained a wide following due to her engaging writing style and relatable characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His wide following among young people helped him win the largest vote for senator in 1971.

The New York Times

Davis soon had a wide following on social media, with the hashtag #StandWithWendy.

The New Yorker

By 1982, "The Bill James Baseball Abstract" had gained a national publisher and wide following.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As France's most recognisable tele-intellectual, Mr Lévy has a wide following.

The Economist

For various legal and technical reasons, these methods did not attract a wide following.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To one degree or another, this assessment has gained a wide following.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Walsh never developed the sort of wide following that Mr. Madoff had enjoyed.

The New York Times

Since the release of the first weight-training DVD, "Get Ripped!" in 2005, she has developed a wide following.

The New York Times

Sheffield United then go straight up the other end, but Harper pulls his shot wide following a good run.

The Guardian - Sport

"We don't accept it anymore," said Sow Baïlo, a Guinean actor and intellectual with a wide following.

The New York Times

Some think the national economy will benefit as well, because the Tigers have a wide following outside their home turf.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person or brand's influence, consider using "wide following" to emphasize the breadth and scope of their audience.

Common error

Be careful not to imply that a "wide following" is uncritical or unquestioning. "Wide following" simply refers to the size of the audience, not their level of discernment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide following" functions as a noun phrase, typically following a verb such as has, gained, or developed. It describes the extent of popularity or support that someone or something has acquired. Ludwig AI examples show usage across various contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wide following" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a large number of supporters or fans. It enjoys broad usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, academia, and general knowledge sources. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, with examples demonstrating its applicability in various scenarios. When using the phrase, it's important to focus on the breadth of the support and avoid implying uncritical acceptance. Alternatives such as "large fan base", "extensive support", and "broad appeal" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large following

Omits “wide” while retaining a similar meaning, but with slightly less emphasis on the breadth of the group.

significant following

Substitutes "wide" with "significant", indicating a notable but not necessarily vast number of followers.

mass following

Similar to "wide following" but puts slightly more emphasis on the large number of people involved.

large fan base

Replaces "following" with the more specific term "fan base", implying a dedicated group of admirers.

widespread popularity

Highlights how commonly liked or embraced something is, focusing on popularity rather than followers.

extensive support

Focuses on the backing or approval received, rather than the group of followers.

broad appeal

Highlights the attractiveness of something to a large audience, emphasizing its widespread popularity.

considerable audience

Emphasizes the size of the audience reached, rather than the loyalty or support of that audience.

popular acclaim

Shifts the focus to public approval and recognition, suggesting widespread praise.

general acceptance

Indicates that an idea or practice is widely approved of or adopted.

FAQs

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

You can use "wide following" to describe a person, brand, or idea that is popular and has many supporters. For example: "The band has a "wide following" among teenagers."

What's a good alternative to "wide following"?

Alternatives to "wide following" include "large fan base", "extensive support", or "broad appeal", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "wide following" or "large following"?

"Wide following" and "large following" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Wide following" may subtly suggest a more diverse or geographically dispersed group of supporters.

Can "wide following" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "wide following" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a neutral phrase that does not carry any negative or overly casual connotations.