widespread effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impact or influence that is felt over a large area or among many people. Example: "The new policy had a widespread effect on the community, improving access to healthcare for thousands."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

" 'Zo's condition has had a widespread effect in that way".

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike other clean technologies, however, hydropower has a profound and widespread effect on the local environment.

The Guardian

How did a minor change in the arcane broker voting rules have such a widespread effect?

Harvard University

The big increases are the latest sign of the widespread effect that the Internet is having on highly skilled workers in a range of professions.

The New York Times

She failed to finish this novel, but she instead produced a short piece of writing that had a surprisingly widespread effect.

The New Yorker

Some research shows that it does interfere with prostaglandin synthesis, like NSAIDs, but in a way that doesn't produce a widespread effect on inflammation.

Harvard University

The most widespread effect of imprisonment on employment occurs through incapacitation in prison, both for the initial prison sentence and through the heightened risk of subsequent imprisonment.

Stanford University

Generalized seizures are caused by disturbances of nerve cells in diffuse areas of the brain and therefore have a more severe and widespread effect on the patient.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dyer, who argued his action was necessary to produce a "moral and widespread effect," admitted that the firing would have continued had more ammunition been available.

Britannica

Dr. Hoerling said he had run computer analyses that failed to confirm a widespread effect outside the Arctic from declining sea ice.

The New York Times - Science

Pater's early influence was confined to a small circle in Oxford, but he came to have a widespread effect on the next literary generation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread effect", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being affected and the scale of the impact. Be specific about the area or population experiencing the effect to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the scope of the "widespread effect" without sufficient evidence. Overuse can diminish the phrase's credibility; use it when the impact is genuinely broad and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread effect" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'has a widespread effect'). It describes the extent of an impact or influence, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

30%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "widespread effect" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a broad or extensive impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse fields such as science, news media, and academia. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key; ensure the scope of the effect is well-defined to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "broad impact" or "far-reaching consequence" for nuanced expression. Overall, "widespread effect" is a versatile tool for conveying the reach of an influence or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide-ranging effect

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the variety of areas affected.

broad impact

Focuses on the extent of the influence or consequence.

far-reaching consequence

Emphasizes the distance or scope to which the effect extends.

extensive influence

Highlights the degree of power or sway exerted.

extensive ramifications

Emphasizes the complex and unfolding nature of the consequences.

general impact

Indicates a common effect on many elements.

overall impact

Highlights the collective or aggregate effect.

common impact

Describes the effect as ordinary or regular.

global impact

Refers to a planet-wide effect.

pervasive influence

Stresses the way the impact permeates or spreads throughout.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread effect" to describe something that has a broad impact. For example, "The new policy had a "widespread effect" on the community."

What can I say instead of "widespread effect"?

You can use alternatives like "broad impact", "far-reaching consequence", or "extensive influence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "widespread effect" or "wide spread effect"?

"Widespread effect" is the correct phrasing. "Wide spread effect" is less common and grammatically awkward. It's better to keep it as a single word.

What's the difference between "widespread effect" and "significant impact"?

While both indicate an important influence, ""widespread effect"" emphasizes the extent or reach of the influence, whereas "significant impact" highlights the importance or magnitude of the influence.