widely distributed

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely distributed" is a valid phrase in written English and can be used to talk about something that is spread out in a wide area or to many different places.
For example: "This new smartphone is expected to be widely distributed in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The element is widely distributed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The heartbreak was widely distributed.

The New York Times

Participation in conversation was widely distributed.

The New York Times

NICHOLAS LEMANN: It's VERY widely distributed.

The New Yorker

Aromatic compounds are widely distributed in nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Insect repellent has not been widely distributed.

The New York Times

"But the responsibility was very widely distributed".

The Guardian

Most Fortune 100 companies have a widely distributed shareholder base.

The New York Times

They are widely distributed in the population by middle age.

The Guardian

Power is widely distributed among many rising nations.

The New York Times

Newer tests can, but they have not been widely distributed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely distributed" to emphasize the extent or reach of something, such as information, resources, or populations. For instance, "The new software update is being widely distributed to all users."

Common error

While "widely distributed" is a useful phrase, avoid using it too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "broadly disseminated" or "extensively spread" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely distributed" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier. It describes the extent to which something is spread or available. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and common phrase, appearing across varied domains. Examples show it modifying nouns such as "responsibility", "shareholder base", "hydrocarbon reservoirs", and "personal information".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widely distributed" functions as an adjectival modifier indicating that something is extensively spread or available. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, from science to news media. It’s crucial to use synonyms sparingly to avoid redundancy, as noted in the writing guidance. The phrase appears frequently in "Science" and "News & Media" contexts. Alternatives like "broadly disseminated" or "extensively spread" can offer nuanced meaning, but "widely distributed" remains a versatile and clear choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broadly disseminated

Focuses on the act of spreading information or items extensively.

extensively spread

Emphasizes the reach and scope of the distribution.

generally prevalent

Highlights the common occurrence or existence of something.

commonly dispersed

Stresses the act of scattering or spreading something widely.

ubiquitously present

Indicates that something is found everywhere.

prevalent throughout

Highlights that something is widespread in a particular area or context.

rampantly circulating

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled spread.

universally available

Emphasizes that something is accessible to everyone.

scattered widely

Focuses on the dispersed nature of something.

pervasively spread

Emphasizes the thorough and all-encompassing nature of the spread.

FAQs

How can I use "widely distributed" in a sentence?

"Widely distributed" is used to describe something that is spread over a large area or among a large number of people. For example, "The leaflets were "broadly distributed" throughout the community."

What are some alternatives to "widely distributed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "broadly disseminated", "extensively spread", or "generally prevalent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "widely distribute" instead of "widely distributed"?

No, "widely distribute" is grammatically incorrect. "Distribute" is a verb, while "distributed" functions as an adjective when used with "widely", describing how something is spread.

What does "widely distributed" mean in a scientific context?

In science, "widely distributed" often refers to species, elements, or phenomena that are found across many different geographic locations or within diverse systems. For example, "Certain bacteria are "ubiquitously present" in soil samples."