widen to include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widen to include" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the expansion of a category, scope, or definition to encompass additional elements or groups. Example: "The policy will widen to include more diverse communities in its outreach efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Next year, this will widen to include students with ABB.

The Guardian

The monitoring program will eventually widen to include Connecticut's eight species of frogs and two toad species.

The New York Times

Those options widen to include 12 weeks' custody if aggravated by the way the goods were obtained.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the 157 Group, which represents 27 further education colleges in England, says now the focus should widen to include other courses.

The Guardian

December 2006: The Times claimed the investigation could widen to include possible charges on perverting the course of justice, with some individuals suspected of colluding over evidence.

The Guardian

Cues associated with a trauma or other stress may start out with a narrow focus — the place where something bad happened — but may widen to include similar places, things or situations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The definition has widened to include milder forms.

The New York Times

In the second year, the universe widens to include electives.

The New York Times

Later this ban is widened to include all investment.

Independent

Then, some time in the last two years, it widened to include the public killing of accused prostitutes.

The New York Times

Gradually, Mr. Robinson's repertory widened to include arias sung in French, German and Italian.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widen to include" when you want to emphasize that the scope, definition, or range of something is being expanded to cover more items or areas. This phrase works well in formal and neutral contexts, such as when describing policy changes, project expansions, or evolving definitions.

Common error

While "widen to include" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "also include" or "add in" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widen to include" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of expanding the scope or range of something to encompass additional elements or aspects. Ludwig examples show it used to describe expansions of investigations, definitions, or policies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "widen to include" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the expansion of a scope or definition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. While its primary context lies within News & Media, it also appears in encyclopedic and formal business settings. When writing, remember that "widen to include" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts and should be replaced with more casual alternatives in informal conversation. Related phrases like "expand to include" or "broaden to include" can provide variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand to include

This alternative uses "expand" which has a similar meaning to "widen", focusing on growth in scope or extent.

broaden to include

Using "broaden" emphasizes making something more comprehensive by including more aspects or elements.

extend to include

This implies stretching or reaching out to cover additional items or areas.

enlarge to include

The term "enlarge" suggests making something physically bigger or more substantial to incorporate new elements.

incorporate to include

Focuses on integrating or combining new elements into an existing structure or system.

add to the scope

This focuses on the addition of elements to an existing scope.

increase to include

This suggests a quantitative growth in what is being included.

supplement to include

Implies adding something extra to make it more complete.

augment to include

This term means to enhance or make something greater by adding to it.

widen the net to include

This phrase is more metaphorical, suggesting an expansion of criteria or targets.

FAQs

What does "widen to include" mean?

The phrase "widen to include" means to expand the scope, range, or definition of something to encompass additional elements, items, or areas. It's often used to describe a deliberate effort to make something more comprehensive.

How can I use "widen to include" in a sentence?

You can use "widen to include" to indicate the expansion of something's scope. For example: "The investigation will "expand to include" other departments", or "The definition of 'family' has "broadened to include" non-traditional arrangements".

What are some alternatives to "widen to include"?

Some alternatives include "expand to include", "broaden to include", "extend to include", "enlarge to include", or "incorporate to include". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "widen to include" formal or informal?

"Widen to include" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. It is appropriate for professional and academic writing, but may sound somewhat stilted in very informal conversation. Using synonyms like "also include" or "add in" might make it sound more colloquial.