widens

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'widens' is a correct word and commonly used in written English.
It is the present tense form of the verb 'widen', which means to make or become wider. Example: The gap between the rich and the poor widens every year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The trade gap widens.

The New York Times

Your face widens.

The New York Times

The conversation widens.

The Guardian - Arts

She widens her eyes.

The Guardian - Books

Nina widens the circle.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sky widens to Cornwall.

The New Yorker

And so the divide widens.

The Guardian

Sometimes, Ms. Fenumiai widens them.

The New York Times

The list of targets widens.

The New York Times - Books

That further widens income differences.

The New York Times

Her face widens with shock.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widens" when you want to emphasize an increase in scope, breadth, or range. For example, "The company's market reach widens with each new product launch."

Common error

Avoid using "widens" when describing an increase in quantity or intensity that doesn't relate to physical or metaphorical space. Instead of saying "The frustration widens", use "The frustration increases."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "widens" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "widen". It describes the action of something becoming broader or more extensive. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used to indicate the process of expansion in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widens" is a versatile verb form used to describe the process of something becoming broader or more extensive. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig. While suitable for a range of contexts, it is particularly common in news and media, describing both physical and metaphorical expansions. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances in meaning: "expands" suggests a deliberate increase, while "broadens" emphasizes inclusivity. As per Ludwig AI, "widens" functions primarily to describe an action of expansion and maintains a neutral register appropriate for diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expands

Indicates a broadening or extending of something, similar to widens, but often implies a more deliberate or planned increase.

broadens

Focuses on making something wider or more inclusive, closely related to widens, but with a connotation of encompassing more elements.

increases

Describes a general rise in quantity or degree, overlapping with widens when referring to scope or impact, but lacking the spatial implication.

extends

Implies lengthening or prolonging something, akin to widens when speaking of duration or reach, but with an emphasis on linear expansion.

enlarges

Refers to making something bigger in size or volume, relating to widens in terms of physical dimensions, but not necessarily in scope.

grows

Suggests a gradual increase or development, similar to widens when discussing influence or impact, but with a connotation of organic progression.

escalates

Indicates a rapid increase, usually in intensity or severity, resembling widens when discussing conflict or urgency, but with a negative connotation.

magnifies

Implies making something appear larger or more significant, relating to widens in terms of perceived importance, but with an emphasis on amplification.

amplifies

Refers to increasing the strength or intensity of something, akin to widens when discussing sound or effect, but with a focus on measurable output.

deepens

This term suggests an increase in intensity or complexity, rather than spatial expansion. While related to the idea of growth or enlargement implied by "widens", it focuses on a different dimension of change.

FAQs

How can I use "widens" in a sentence?

"Widens" is used to describe something that is becoming broader or more extensive. For example, "The river widens as it approaches the sea" or "The gap between rich and poor widens every year."

What are some synonyms for "widens"?

Alternatives to "widens" include "expands", "broadens", "increases", and "extends". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "widens the scope"?

Yes, "widens the scope" is a correct and common usage. It means to make the range or extent of something greater. For example, "This new technology widens the scope of our research."

What's the difference between "widens" and "increases"?

"Widens" typically refers to physical or metaphorical space, while "increases" refers to quantity or degree. You might say "The road widens", but "The price increases".