widened a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widened a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight increase in width or extent, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The road was widened a bit to accommodate the increasing traffic flow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

So next year the circle widened a bit.

The New York Times

In 1998 his tight circle of fans widened a bit when Abrams published a book of his work and there was a simultaneous show of his gold pieces at the Renwick Gallery, part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The New York Times - Arts

In the past few weeks, equity and bond markets have sold off, emerging markets ditto, high yield bonds' spreads over Treasuries have widened a bit and equity volatility has finally stirred from its lengthy snooze.

The Economist

Mr. Obama has led in 21 consecutive polls of Pennsylvania and his margins seem to have widened a bit recently; the forecast model now gives him an 89 percent chance of winning it on Nov. 6.

The New York Times

The funnel for grain from the centre-west widened a bit earlier this year when Brasil Ferrovias, an ailing railway company, had its finances reconditioned, clearing the way for the expansion of Ferronorte, a line running from Mato Grosso to the port of Santos in São Paulo state.

The Economist

Spreads have widened a bit in the Asian crisis, but the high-yield market has not factored in a possible slowdown in corporate earnings.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"This is our opportunity now, as the field widens a bit".

The New York Times

There is also an external imbalance, with the current account deficit at 2.6 per cent of GDP and expected to widen a bit more as the strong dollar will tend to cut exports and increase imports.

Independent

By January the gap will widen a bit: 50 for Microsoft, 32 for Sony.

Forbes

And it appears that those eyes are about to widen a bit.

TechCrunch

These spreads could widen a bit as the economy picks up steam, but the risk is small enough that I would not wait to go into the corporate bonds.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure that "widened a bit" accurately reflects the degree of change. If the increase is significant, a stronger phrase like "widened considerably" or "expanded greatly" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "widened a bit" when the actual expansion is substantial, as this can mislead the reader and undermine the accuracy of your description. Choose a phrase that more accurately reflects the magnitude of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widened a bit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to modify a noun by indicating that its width or scope has increased slightly. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, commonly describing a small expansion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widened a bit" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a slight increase in width or scope. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media, though it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication styles. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys a subtle expansion, as demonstrated by the provided examples. When you consider alternatives such as "expanded slightly" or "broadened a little", it’s crucial to ensure they accurately reflect the intended degree of change, avoiding overstatement or understatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expanded slightly

Focuses on the increase in size or scope with an emphasis on the small degree of change.

broadened a little

Highlights the increase in range or variety with a hint of small proportion.

increased marginally

Emphasizes the small amount of change in a measurable quantity.

marginally increased

Similar to "increased marginally", reinforcing the small degree of change.

extended somewhat

Implies making something longer or reaching further to a certain point, adding small measure of change.

grew incrementally

Suggests a gradual increase over time, highlighting the gradual nature of the change.

slightly enlarged

Directly refers to a small increase in size.

opened up slightly

Implies expanding opportunities or accessibility.

stretched a little

Suggests the action of making something wider or longer, but only to a small extent.

increased a fraction

Highlights the very small nature of the increment.

FAQs

What does "widened a bit" mean?

The phrase "widened a bit" means that something has increased in width or scope to a small extent. It suggests a slight expansion or enlargement.

What can I say instead of "widened a bit"?

You can use alternatives like "expanded slightly", "broadened a little", or "increased marginally" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "widened a bit"?

It's appropriate to use "widened a bit" when describing a small or minor increase in width, scope, or range. It's suitable when the change is not significant or dramatic.

Is "widened a bit" formal or informal?

The phrase "widened a bit" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, more precise language might be preferred.