widening steadily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widening steadily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is gradually increasing in width or scope over time. Example: "The river has been widening steadily due to the erosion of its banks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That compares to 30% nationwide – and the gap has been widening steadily since 1990.

The Guardian

Voluntary exits are now about twice as common as firings and discharges, a gap that has been widening steadily since the Great Recession.

The New Yorker

In addition, the gap between the cities and countryside has been widening steadily since the Chinese economic reform in 1978.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the gap has widened steadily ever since.

The Economist

They have finally called attention to the extreme and unfair wealth gap that has widened steadily over the last 30 years.

The New York Times

The kitchen widens steadily as it opens toward the living room, which Mr. Legiardi-Laura felt would make both spaces more inviting.

The New York Times

It also widened steadily and significantly from 1986 to 2001.

British Journal of Cancer

The deprivation gap in 1-year survival has been similar for men and women, and it has widened steadily and significantly in both sexes, reaching −7% for patients diagnosed during 1996 1999 (Table 2).

British Journal of Cancer

No such luck: by mid-July the search had turned up 692 others in a steadily widening circle from Tampa to Orlando, in the middle of the Florida peninsula.

The Economist

Any bailout, though, will involve economic pain — including cuts in food and fuel subsidies to shrink Egypt's steadily widening budget deficit.

The New York Times

In 2014, the share of services in China's GDP was 48.2%, comfortably ahead of the 42.6% accounted for by manufacturing and construction, with the gap steadily widening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widening steadily" to describe a trend or phenomenon that is gradually increasing in scope or intensity over a period of time. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the ongoing and continuous nature of the expansion.

Common error

Avoid using "widening steadily" to describe sudden or abrupt changes. This phrase is best suited for gradual, continuous processes, not for situations where the expansion occurs rapidly or in discrete steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widening steadily" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb, describing a process of gradual expansion. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and appropriate in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widening steadily" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict the gradual expansion of something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it appears in neutral and professional contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is not extremely common, it is a useful and precise way to describe continuous growth, and has alternatives like "increasing gradually" or "expanding incrementally" to further customize it's meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing gradually

Emphasizes the incremental growth rather than the spatial expansion.

expanding incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the expansion.

growing continuously

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the growth.

spreading gradually

Suggests a more diffuse and less structured form of expansion.

progressing steadily

Shifts the focus to advancement rather than physical expansion.

escalating continuously

Implies an increase in intensity or severity, not just size.

building continuously

Suggests the gradual accumulation of something.

extending gradually

Focuses on lengthening or prolonging something.

unfolding gradually

Emphasizes the revealing or developing nature of something.

intensifying steadily

Highlights a gradual increase in strength or concentration.

FAQs

How can I use "widening steadily" in a sentence?

You can use "widening steadily" to describe a gap, a trend, or anything that is gradually increasing in size or scope. For example, "The gap between the rich and poor is "widening steadily"."

What are some alternatives to "widening steadily"?

Alternatives include "increasing gradually", "expanding incrementally", or "growing continuously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "steadily widening" instead of "widening steadily"?

Yes, "steadily widening" is also correct. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "widening steadily" emphasizes the action of widening, while "steadily widening" emphasizes the consistent pace of the widening.

What's the difference between "widening steadily" and "widening rapidly"?

"Widening steadily" implies a gradual and continuous increase, while "widening rapidly" suggests a fast or accelerated expansion. The choice depends on the actual pace of the expansion you are describing.