Widely vs Largely: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you unsure whether to use “widely” or “largely” in your writing? It’s a common dilemma, but fear not, we’re here to help.

Let’s clarify that both words can be used in certain contexts. However, there are subtle differences between the two that can affect the meaning of your sentence.

“Widely” is an adverb that means something is done or exists over a large area or among many people. For example, “The book was widely read by people of all ages.”

“Largely,” on the other hand, is also an adverb but it means something is mostly or mainly something else. For example, “The success of the project was largely due to the hard work of the team.”

Now that we’ve clarified the definitions, let’s dive deeper into when and how to use these words in your writing.

Define Widely

Widely is an adverb that indicates something is done or experienced by a large number of people, or covers a vast area or range. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe something that is prevalent or ubiquitous.

For example, a widely held belief is a belief that is held by a large number of people. A widely read book is a book that has been read by a large number of people. A widely available product is a product that is available in many different locations or through many different channels.

Widely can also be used to describe the extent or range of something. For example, a widely dispersed population is a population that is spread out over a large area. A widely varying climate is a climate that exhibits a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns.

Define Largely

Largely is an adverb that indicates something is done or experienced to a great extent or degree. It is often used in a quantitative sense to describe something that is mostly or mainly true.

For example, a largely successful project is a project that has been successful to a great extent. A largely unexplored area is an area that has not been explored to a great extent. A largely theoretical concept is a concept that is based mostly on theory rather than practical experience.

Largely can also be used to describe the size or amount of something. For example, a largely populated city is a city with a large population. A largely funded project is a project that has received a large amount of funding.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. Two words that are often confused are “widely” and “largely.” Here’s how to use them correctly:

How To Use “Widely” In A Sentence

The word “widely” means extensively or broadly. It is used to describe something that is prevalent or popular:

• She is widely regarded as the best singer in the country.
• The book was widely read and became a bestseller.
• The company has a widely recognized brand name.

It’s important to note that “widely” is an adverb and should be used to modify a verb or an adjective:

• His artwork is widely admired for its unique style.
• The movie was widely criticized for its poor plot.

How To Use “Largely” In A Sentence

The word “largely” means mostly or mainly. It is used to describe something that is true for the most part:

• The success of the project was largely due to her efforts.
• The company’s profits were largely driven by its international sales.
• The event was largely attended by members of the local community.

Like “widely,” “largely” is also an adverb and should be used to modify a verb or an adjective:

• The decision was largely influenced by the CEO’s opinion.
• The team’s victory was largely unexpected.

It’s important to note that “largely” can also mean in a large manner or to a great extent:

• The building was largely destroyed in the fire.
• He was largely responsible for the success of the project.

Using “widely” and “largely” correctly can greatly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More Examples Of Widely & Largely Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words “widely” and “largely” in a sentence. These examples will help you understand the proper context and usage of these words.

Examples Of Using “Widely” In A Sentence:

• The new product was widely accepted by consumers.
• The internet is widely used for research and communication.
• English is widely spoken around the world.
• The company’s shares are widely held by investors.
• The book was widely criticized for its controversial content.
• The news of the scandal spread widely across the country.
• The policy was widely regarded as a failure by experts.
• The technology is widely available to the public.
• The festival is widely known for its music and art.
• The disease is widely spread among the population.

Examples Of Using “Largely” In A Sentence:

• The success of the project was largely due to the hard work of the team.
• The company’s profits are largely dependent on its overseas sales.
• The audience was largely made up of young adults.
• The policy was largely supported by the public.
• The film’s popularity was largely attributed to its star cast.
• The city’s growth is largely driven by its booming tech industry.
• The report was largely ignored by the media.
• The economy is largely affected by global events.
• The book’s success was largely due to its marketing campaign.
• The project’s completion was largely delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the English language, there are many words that are often used interchangeably, but their meanings are quite different. One such pair of words that are frequently used incorrectly are “widely” and “largely”.

Highlighting Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “widely” when they actually mean “largely”. “Widely” refers to the distribution of something over a large area or among many people. For example, “The book was widely read.” On the other hand, “largely” refers to the size or extent of something. For example, “The building was largely made of brick.”

Another common mistake is using “largely” when they actually mean “widely”. For example, “The virus was largely spread through contact.” The correct word to use in this case is “widely” because it refers to the distribution of the virus over a large area or among many people.

Tips To Avoid Making Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the difference between “widely” and “largely”. If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure that you are using the correct word in the correct context.

• Always check the definition of the word before using it in your writing.
• If you are unsure which word to use, try substituting it with a similar word to see if it makes sense in the context.
• Read your writing out loud to ensure that it sounds correct and makes sense.

By following these tips, you can avoid making common mistakes when using “widely” and “largely”.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “widely” and “largely,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. Both words are adverbs that describe the extent or degree of something, but they are not interchangeable in all contexts.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between “widely” and “largely” might change:

Geographical Context

When describing the distribution of something geographically, “widely” is often the better choice. For example, “The species is widely distributed across North America.” Here, “widely” emphasizes the extent of the distribution and implies that the species can be found in many different locations throughout the region.

On the other hand, “largely” would not be appropriate in this context. It implies that the species is concentrated in a few locations, which is not the case.

Quantitative Context

When describing the extent of something quantitatively, both “widely” and “largely” can be used, but the choice depends on the specific context. For example, “The survey found that the policy was widely supported by 80% of respondents.” Here, “widely” emphasizes the high percentage of respondents who supported the policy, implying that it was popular among a broad range of people.

However, if the percentage were lower, “largely” might be a better choice. For example, “The policy was largely supported by 60% of respondents.” Here, “largely” emphasizes the fact that a majority of respondents supported the policy, but it also implies that there was a significant minority who did not.

Subjective Context

When describing something subjectively, such as an opinion or feeling, “largely” is often the better choice. For example, “The movie was largely entertaining, but the plot was a bit predictable.” Here, “largely” emphasizes the overall positive impression of the movie, but it also acknowledges a minor flaw.

“Widely” would not be appropriate in this context because it emphasizes the extent of the entertainment value, which is not the primary focus of the sentence.

In conclusion, the choice between “widely” and “largely” depends on the specific context in which they are used. By considering the geographical, quantitative, and subjective contexts, you can choose the word that best conveys the intended meaning and tone of your writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of “widely” and “largely” follows certain rules, there are exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some cases where exceptions are made:

1. Contextual Usage

Depending on the context, the use of “widely” and “largely” can vary. For instance, when discussing the popularity of a particular product, “widely” may be more appropriate. However, when describing the scope of a project, “largely” may be a better fit.

2. Regional Differences

The rules for using “widely” and “largely” may also differ based on regional variations in language usage. For example, in British English, “largely” is often used to mean “mostly,” while in American English, “mostly” is the preferred term.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are certain idiomatic expressions where the use of “widely” and “largely” may not follow the usual rules. For example, the phrase “widely regarded” is commonly used to mean “universally accepted,” while the phrase “largely ignored” is used to mean “mostly disregarded.”

4. Adverbial Phrases

When used in adverbial phrases, “widely” and “largely” may also have different connotations. For instance, “widely available” implies that a product or service is easily accessible in many places, while “largely available” suggests that it is available in most places but not necessarily everywhere.

5. Emphasis On Quantity

In some cases, the emphasis on quantity may determine the use of “widely” or “largely.” For example, when discussing the size of a company, “largely” may be more appropriate if the focus is on the number of employees, while “widely” may be used if the focus is on the company’s reach across multiple locations.

By understanding these exceptions, you can use “widely” and “largely” more effectively in your writing, and avoid common mistakes that can affect the clarity and accuracy of your message.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of commonly confused words is essential for effective communication. The following practice exercises will help readers develop a better grasp of the differences between “widely” and “largely” in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the appropriate word, “widely” or “largely,” to complete the following sentences:

1. The new restaurant received __________ positive reviews from food critics.
2. The politician’s proposal was __________ criticized by the opposition party.
3. The book was __________ read by fans of the author’s previous works.
4. The company’s profits have __________ increased over the past year.
5. The film’s success was __________ due to its strong performances and compelling story.

Answer Key:

1. largely
2. widely
3. widely
4. largely
5. largely

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either “widely” or “largely” to convey the intended meaning:

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence
The fashion trend was popular in many countries.	The fashion trend was widely popular in many countries.
The company’s profits increased due to its new marketing strategy.	The company’s profits increased largely due to its new marketing strategy.
The research findings were accepted by the scientific community.	The research findings were largely accepted by the scientific community.

Explanation: In each of these sentences, “widely” or “largely” is used to modify the adjective and provide a more specific description of the degree or scope of the action or state being described.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of language and grammar is essential for effective communication. Throughout this article, we have explored the nuanced differences between the words “widely” and “largely” and how they can impact the meaning of a sentence.

It is important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and as such, it is necessary to continue learning and improving one’s grammar skills. By doing so, we can ensure that our messages are conveyed accurately and effectively.

Key Takeaways

• The words “widely” and “largely” have subtle differences in meaning
• “Widely” implies a broad distribution, while “largely” implies a significant portion
• Using the wrong word can change the intended meaning of a sentence
• Proper grammar and language use are crucial for effective communication

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, readers can enhance their language skills and improve their ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.