widens a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widens a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight increase in size, scope, or extent, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "As the road approaches the town, it widens a bit to accommodate more traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use "widens a bit" when you want to express a slight increase in scope, size, or range, without implying a significant or dramatic change. This phrase is particularly useful in contexts where gradual change is important.

Common error

Avoid using "widens a bit" when the change you're describing is actually substantial or significant. In such cases, stronger alternatives like "widens considerably" or "expands significantly" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widens a bit" functions as a verb phrase indicating a slight increase in size, scope, or extent. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show its use in describing changes in various contexts, from market dynamics to physical spaces.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widens a bit" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a moderate or gradual expansion. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in a variety of contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media, science and Wiki articles. When writing, make sure the degree of widening is not overstated. For academic or highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "expands slightly" or "increases incrementally". Overall, "widens a bit" is a useful and versatile phrase for expressing minor growth or expansion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expands slightly

Replaces "widens" with "expands" and "a bit" with "slightly", maintaining a similar meaning of a small increase in size or scope.

broadens a little

Substitutes "widens" with "broadens" and "a bit" with "a little", conveying a similar sense of a small increase in range or scope.

becomes a little broader

Rephrases the original by using "becomes" to express the change, and "broader" as the adjective.

increases marginally

Uses "increases" instead of "widens", focusing on the aspect of growth, and "marginally" to indicate a small degree.

grows incrementally

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the widening, suggesting a slow and steady expansion.

extends slightly

Highlights the lengthening or reaching out aspect of widening, implying an increase in reach or duration.

enlarges marginally

Similar to "increases marginally" but uses "enlarges" to specify an increase in size.

opens up a little

Emphasizes the aspect of becoming more accessible or available, implying a metaphorical widening of opportunities.

stretches out slightly

Conveys a sense of being pulled or extended, suggesting a widening in a more physical or spatial context.

develops incrementally

Focuses on the idea of gradual progress or evolution, with widening as a consequence of this development.

FAQs

How can I use "widens a bit" in a sentence?

You can use "widens a bit" to describe a slight increase in size, scope, or extent. For example, "As the river approaches the sea, it "widens a bit"."

What are some alternatives to "widens a bit"?

Alternatives include phrases like "expands slightly", "broadens a little", or "increases marginally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "widens a bit" too informal for academic writing?

While "widens a bit" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "increases incrementally" or "expands slightly" might be preferred in academic contexts to maintain a more professional tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "widens a bit"?

Avoid using "widens a bit" if the actual increase or expansion is significant. In such cases, more descriptive phrases like "widens considerably" or "expands significantly" would be more accurate.