wider contagion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wider contagion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the spread of diseases, ideas, or phenomena that affect a larger area or population. Example: "The initial outbreak was contained, but experts warned of a potential wider contagion if preventive measures were not implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

However, it argues that the bailout package was necessary and did achieve two key targets -- keeping Greece in the eurozone, and avoiding wider contagion.

The Guardian - Business

The political chaos threatens to bring wider contagion in eurozone financial markets, with Italy in the firing line as yields (interest rates) on government bonds reach historic highs and Silvio Berlusconi loses his grip on the reins of power.

The Guardian

John Hardy, Saxo Bank's head of currency strategy, said: "Merkel is likely to try to continue the approach that has brought her relative success so far, making small concessions here and there, such as a small third bailout in Greece, to stem the risk that any individual crisis triggers a wider contagion.

Independent

It is a risky step, given the strength of popular opposition to the deal, and George Papandreou's opponents say a "No" vote would probably force Greece out of the euro and could trigger wider contagion within the eurozone.

BBC

This relates not only to managing the status quo, but also to understanding how to prevent wider contagion effects and further departures from the EU, if the European project is to continue.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now disorder has come from an unexpected direction, not from foreign enemies or domestic zealotry but from a society-wide contagion of financial risk-taking.

The New York Times

The Indian Premier League may be hoist here as a source of wider cultural contagion.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed I would argue that without my concurrent plan to restructure Europe's banks and insurance companies and to go for growth, the status quo or even a Brady plan for Greece still risk Europe-wide financial contagion.

The New York Times

Jonathan Demme's very faithful 1991 film adaptation, with Anthony Hopkins gleefully claiming ownership of the role, spread the contagion wider, and by 1999, when Harris picked up the scent of his character again in the brilliant, florid, jaw-droppingly nihilistic "Hannibal," he found his monster not merely free but rampant.

The New York Times

Both paths would be risky, and could cause a wider stress if the contagion of previous emerging-market crises is any guide.With any luck none of this will happen.

The Economist

The phrase "skirts-over-trousers" has the majority of us recoiling at memories of Nineties fashion criminality, thanks to a then widespread contagion of wide-leg trousers with a mini skirt stitched to the front.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wider contagion" when you want to emphasize the increasing scope or reach of a negative phenomenon, such as a financial crisis or a disease outbreak.

Common error

Don't use "wider contagion" when you simply mean that something is spreading; reserve it for situations where the expansion of the contagion itself is a key concern, rather than just its existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wider contagion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "wider" modifies the noun "contagion". It describes the increased scope or extent of a spreading phenomenon. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wider contagion" is a valid English phrase used to describe the expansion of a spreading phenomenon, typically in a negative context such as economic crises or disease outbreaks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media sources but also appears in scientific contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is useful for emphasizing the escalating scope of a problem. Alternatives like "broader spread" or "larger outbreak" can be used depending on the specific context. It's important to reserve its use to emphasize the increasing impact, which is the key defining difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broader spread

Focuses on the extent of dissemination rather than the initial source.

greater diffusion

Emphasizes the process of spreading out more widely.

larger outbreak

Specifically implies a rapid and sudden increase in cases or instances.

expanded reach

Highlights the increase in the area or scope affected.

increased prevalence

Indicates a higher rate of occurrence or commonness.

extensive propagation

Stresses the process of widespread replication or transmission.

general dissemination

Implies a widespread distribution to a large audience or area.

pervasive influence

Highlights the widespread effect or impact on various aspects.

systemic spread

Indicates that the spread affects the entire system, not just isolated parts.

rampant proliferation

Emphasizes the uncontrolled and rapid increase or spread.

FAQs

How can I use "wider contagion" in a sentence?

You can use "wider contagion" to describe the spread of a phenomenon to a larger area or population. For example, "The report cited several 'notable challenges' higher than the Fund had forecast but argued that the bailout package was necessary and did achieve two key targets -- keeping Greece in the eurozone, and avoiding "wider contagion"."

What's an alternative to using "wider contagion"?

Alternatives to "wider contagion" include "broader spread", "greater diffusion", or "larger outbreak", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is the phrase "wider contagion" commonly used?

The phrase "wider contagion" is frequently used in the context of economics and finance to describe the risk of a crisis spreading from one country or market to others. It can also apply to the spread of diseases or social unrest.

Is "wider contagion" a formal or informal term?

"Wider contagion" is a neutral to formal term, typically found in news articles, financial reports, and academic papers rather than in casual conversation. A more informal version could be "things spreading more".