widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'widespread' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is spread out over a large area, to indicate something that is found or experienced in many places, or to describe something that is accepted or believed by a lot of people. For example, you could say: "The coronavirus outbreak has led to widespread panic amongst the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luxury tourist travel in a country with widespread problems with poverty and malnutrition can sit uncomfortably with some, but Griffin points out that this would be a difficult dilemma to address had he been a tourist in any developing country.

The Guardian

On top of this, the latest labour market survey figures show that the latest rise in net inward migration does not appear to have led to widespread displacement of existing workers.

The Guardian

They know that if the negotiations fail, further sanctions will kick in, economic stagnation will worsen, and they will reap the benefits of widespread public disenchantment".

The Guardian

Large crowds filled Yerevan's central Freedom Square at the call of three main opposition parties, Prosperous Armenia, Heritage, and the Armenian National Congress, to protest against rising prices and widespread corruption.

The Guardian

In Athens, news of the undercover tax agents was quick to spark ridicule and widespread disbelief.

The Guardian

To try to alleviate widespread poverty from five years of savage austerity, Varoufakis said the government wanted to introduce a smart card scheme which bearers would use for health insurance but which would also include food stamps worth €100 a month for up to 300,000 families.

The Guardian

We've seen in the US, although they peaked many weeks ago, that the level of infection in some of the states is still quite widespread.

The Guardian

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, a big supporter, has already railed against what he sees as a US plot and Blatter retains widespread support in Africa and parts of Asia.

The Guardian - Sport

And it has to be done far away from Cairo – in the [rural areas] where the practice is very widespread".

The Guardian

The widespread blandness provoked reservations about the depth of United's vaunted means.

The Guardian - Sport

The election of a new mayor for Tower Hamlets, prompted by the ejection of the last incumbent for widespread fraud, is already the subject of 16 separate allegations of electoral irregularities, police have confirmed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widespread" to describe phenomena impacting a large area or population, ensuring the context clearly indicates the scope of the impact. For example, "widespread adoption of renewable energy" specifies broad acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread" as a generic descriptor without specifying what is being spread or affected. Instead of saying "There is widespread concern", specify "There is widespread concern about rising unemployment rates."

Linguistic Context

The word "widespread" functions primarily as an adjective. According to Ludwig, it describes something that affects a large area or is common among many people. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts like "widespread problems" or "widespread support".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that affects a large area or a significant number of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, specify the subject of the "widespread" effect and avoid vague usage. Consider alternatives like "extensive" or "prevalent" to add nuance. By adhering to best practices, you can effectively convey the scope and impact of the phenomena you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive

Focuses on the area or scope affected.

prevalent

Emphasizes the commonness or frequency of something.

common

Highlights the ordinariness and frequent occurrence.

rampant

Suggests an uncontrolled or unrestrained spread.

pervasive

Indicates that something is spread throughout and affects everything.

ubiquitous

Implies that something is present everywhere.

far-reaching

Highlights the broad impact or consequences.

across the board

Indicates that something affects everyone or everything in a group.

broad-based

Suggests that support or involvement comes from many different groups.

general

Indicates that something is widespread among individuals.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "widespread" in a sentence?

Use "widespread" to describe something that affects a large number of people or a large area. For example, "The use of mobile devices is "common", but the "widespread" adoption of electric vehicles is still in its early stages".

What can I say instead of "widespread"?

You can use alternatives like "extensive", "prevalent", or ""common"" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "widespread use" or "widely used"?

Both are correct, but they function differently. "Widespread use" is a noun phrase describing the extent of usage, while "widely used" is an adjective phrase describing something that is used by many people.

What's the difference between "widespread" and "common"?

"Widespread" emphasizes the area or population affected, while ""common"" simply indicates that something occurs frequently. "The flu is "common" in winter" implies frequency, whereas "The flu had a "widespread" impact on the workforce" emphasizes the extent of the effect.