wider idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wider idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concept that encompasses a broader or more inclusive perspective on a topic. Example: "When considering the implications of climate change, we must look at the wider idea of sustainability and its impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The car also makes gestures to the wider idea of Scandinavian design.

The New York Times

I explain I'm interested in the wider idea of women being expected simply to marry.

The Guardian - Film

If you can survive the kielbasa smoke, you get the old, wider idea of the street, as easy and relaxed as the Piazza Navona in Rome.

The New York Times

And we are grateful that they clearly saw this academy as fitting in with their wider idea of what culture means".

The Guardian - Music

The wider idea behind the lab is to develop legal tools and products to try to shake up a sector that's pretty set in its ways, he adds.

TechCrunch

It's not clear if that wider idea ever found traction, or whether Ness simply decided that it was a stronger company by focusing its algorithms and platform on one subject in particular.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But the internet of things is one of those wider ideas that isn't dependent on a single project or product.

The Guardian - Tech

In other words, the optimists really did see the world differently.Rose-tinted spectacles may be good for one's health, as these results fit in with wider ideas about how a tendency to look on the bright side of life is part of being resilient to stress.

The Economist

Patient participant perceptions of 'quality improvement' can then help illuminate wider ideas about 'quality' itself.

BMC Health Services Research

Its repertory comes from Dr. Smith's first 10 years of making records, 1966 to 1976: advanced years of pre-hip-hop black pop, when a wide idea of jazz was merging with a wide idea of radio hits.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Ford added: "He had a wide idea of what good fiction was, and when I got involved with him, it seemed like a huge stroke of good luck".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wider idea" to introduce a more encompassing perspective on a topic after discussing specific details. This helps provide context and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "wider idea" as a generic phrase. Ensure it genuinely adds value by expanding on previously mentioned points, rather than simply restating them in broader terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wider idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "wider" modifies the noun "idea". It indicates a concept that is broader in scope or more encompassing than a specific or narrow viewpoint, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wider idea" is a grammatically correct and usable term that introduces a broader concept or perspective, as validated by Ludwig. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears most often in news and media contexts. Using it effectively involves providing sufficient context to justify the expansion of scope. Alternatives include "broader perspective" and "larger concept". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's descriptive function and general suitability across various registers. Therefore, use "wider idea" when you aim to encourage thinking beyond specific details, but ensure the broader view adds substantial value to the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broader perspective

Emphasizes the breadth of a viewpoint.

larger concept

Focuses on the magnitude and scope of the concept.

general notion

Highlights the overall, less specific understanding.

comprehensive view

Stresses thoroughness and completeness.

inclusive concept

Highlights the idea's ability to be all-encompassing.

holistic approach

Focuses on interconnectedness and completeness.

overarching theme

Emphasizes the central, unifying idea.

global view

Highlights the worldwide scope and understanding.

expansive understanding

Stresses the broad and detailed nature of comprehension.

macro perspective

Focuses on the large-scale viewpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "wider idea" to introduce a broader concept or perspective. For example, "The project's success depends on understanding the "wider idea" of sustainability".

What's a good alternative to "wider idea"?

Alternatives include "broader perspective", "larger concept", or "general notion" depending on the specific context.

Is "wider idea" formal or informal?

"Wider idea" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider using more precise language in academic or highly professional settings.

How does "wider idea" differ from "general idea"?

"Wider idea" suggests a broader scope or more encompassing perspective, while "general idea" simply implies a basic understanding. The "wider idea" includes the general one, but incorporates related concepts as well.