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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
widespread used
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "widespread used" is not grammatically correct. It should be written as "widely used." You can use the phrase "widely used" when referring to an item or concept that is in frequent use. For example, "The internet is a widely used technology."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
23 human-written examples
Nanomaterials (NMs) have been widespread used in biomedical fields, daily consuming, and even food industry.
First, the underlying ontology should be developed and modeled using more widespread used tools to facilitate greater understanding, adoption, and acceptance by the community.
Science
The Sexual Modes Questionnaire (SMQ) is a validated and widespread used tool to assess the association among negative automatic thoughts, emotions, and sexual response during sexual activity in men and women.
The Silverhawk system, currently the most widespread used device, is a directional atherectomy device particularly designed for eccentric and not severely calcified infrainguinal lesions whereas a variation of this device, the Rockhawk, is dedicated for the treatment of calcified plaques.
Aromatic polyimides possess high thermal stability, flexibility, good chemical resistance, mechanical strength, enhanced dielectric properties, being thus widespread used in electronic and microelectronic industry or as a support in high temperature applications.
Science
Map matching is widespread used in navigation systems for vehicles and pedestrians.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
Dr. Coleman was critical of its widespread use, although many doctors find it useful.
News & Media
Conservation measures were in widespread use.
News & Media
Both make widespread use of Arabic.
News & Media
Indeed it has entered widespread use.
News & Media
Panelists cautioned against more widespread use.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing something that is in common use, prefer the grammatically correct form "widely used" over the incorrect "widespread used".
Common error
Avoid using the adjective "widespread" to directly modify the past participle "used". Instead, use the adverb "widely" to correctly modify the verb, ensuring grammatical accuracy.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "widespread used" functions as a descriptive term aiming to characterize something as being in common or extensive use. While the intent is clear, it's grammatically flawed, as highlighted by Ludwig, where the proper form is "widely used".
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
29%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
4%
Academia
4%
Wiki
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "widespread used" is frequently encountered, it's grammatically incorrect; the proper form is "widely used". Ludwig analysis shows that this term aims to describe something as being in common use. Despite its prevalence across various sources, ranging from scientific articles to news reports, the grammatical inaccuracy impacts its appropriateness in formal contexts. When writing, it's best to favor "widely used" or consider alternative phrases like "commonly used" or "extensively used" for enhanced clarity and correctness. Ludwig's AI underscores the importance of grammatical precision, even in commonly used phrases.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
widely used
This is the grammatically correct form of the original phrase, employing an adverb to modify the past participle.
commonly used
Replaces "widespread" with "commonly", indicating frequent use but with a slight variation in tone.
widely adopted
Implies a broad acceptance and integration of something into common practice.
extensively used
Emphasizes the breadth and scope of use, rather than just frequency.
frequently employed
Similar to "commonly used", but with a slightly more formal tone.
generally applied
Focuses on the application of something across different situations or contexts.
routinely utilized
Suggests that something is used as a standard practice or procedure.
broadly implemented
Highlights the systematic adoption or application of a practice or technology.
pervasively adopted
Indicates that something has been accepted and is present everywhere.
universally applied
Suggests that something is used in almost all cases or situations.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say something is commonly used?
The correct phrase is "widely used". "Widespread used" is grammatically incorrect, even though it may be encountered.
Is "widespread used" grammatically correct?
No, "widespread used" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "widely used", where "widely" is an adverb modifying the verb "used".
What are some alternatives to "widely used"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "commonly used", "extensively used", or "generally applied".
What's the difference between "widespread use" and "widely used"?
"Widespread use" refers to the extent or prevalence of something being used (use as a noun), whereas "widely used" describes something that is used by many people or in many places (used as a verb).
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested