widespread use of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread use of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the prevalence of something, for example: "Over the years, there has been widespread use of technology in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both make widespread use of Arabic.

The Economist

She also appreciated the widespread use of recycled materials.

The New York Times

The widespread use of communal apartments facilitated government oppression.

The New York Times - Books

Design may support widespread use of solar and wind energy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That explains the increasingly widespread use of performance fees.

The Economist

Many make widespread use of rotating interns and temps.

The Economist

The widespread use of paper money brought other problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

America's widespread use of chemical defoliants has not been forgiven.

The Economist

Take the widespread use of precious metals as money.

The Economist

Rocky brought up the widespread use of the N-word on more than one occasion.

The Guardian - Music

Up next will be widespread use of programmatic in out-of-home audio, television and wearables.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a technology or practice, use "widespread use of" to emphasize its broad reach and influence. This highlights not just its existence, but also its active integration into various aspects of life or industry.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread use of" when you only mean 'some use'. Ensure the context genuinely reflects broad and pervasive adoption, rather than limited or experimental applications. If the use is not truly broad, consider phrases like "increasing use of" or "selective application of" to more accurately reflect the scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread use of" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies that something is commonly and extensively utilized or adopted. As Ludwig AI points out, its use is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread use of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to indicate the common or extensive utilization of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, signifying its adaptability across various registers. When using the phrase, ensure it genuinely reflects broad adoption, and consider alternatives like "common application of" or "prevalent adoption of" for nuanced contexts. Understanding its scale versus impact is crucial to avoiding misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common application of

Replaces 'widespread use' with 'common application', focusing on the application aspect.

prevalent adoption of

Substitutes 'widespread use' with 'prevalent adoption', highlighting the adoption aspect.

extensive employment of

Replaces 'widespread use' with 'extensive employment', emphasizing the active use.

general utilization of

Uses 'general utilization' instead of 'widespread use', focusing on the practical use.

broad implementation of

Substitutes 'widespread use' with 'broad implementation', highlighting the implementation process.

frequent practice of

Replaces 'widespread use' with 'frequent practice', emphasizing the repetitive nature of the use.

routine application of

Highlights the routine nature instead of the broad scope.

universal adoption of

Emphasizes near-total acceptance or adoption.

popular application of

Suggests the application is well-liked and generally accepted.

mass implementation of

Focuses on implementing something across a large scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread use of" to describe the prevalence of something, like "The "widespread use of technology" has transformed education".

What are some alternatives to "widespread use of"?

Alternatives include "common application of", "prevalent adoption of", or "extensive employment of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "widely used" instead of "widespread use of"?

Yes, "widely used" is a concise and grammatically correct alternative. For example, instead of "the widespread use of smartphones", you can say "smartphones are widely used".

What's the difference between "increasing use of" and "widespread use of"?

"Increasing use of" implies a growing trend, while "widespread use of" suggests that something is already common or pervasive. Use "increasing use of" when describing a trend that is gaining popularity, and "widespread use of" when describing something that is already broadly adopted.