What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wide
Example
The river was wide and difficult to cross. [wide: adjective]
Example
She had a wide variety of interests. [wide: adjective]
Example
The room was wide enough to accommodate all the guests. [wide: adverb]
expansive
Example
The view from the top of the mountain was expansive and breathtaking. [expansive: adjective]
Example
He had an expansive personality and loved meeting new people. [expansive: adjective]
Example
The company offered an expansive benefits package to its employees. [expansive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wide is more common than expansive in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Expansive is more formal and less commonly used, but can add a positive connotation of generosity or abundance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wide and expansive?
Expansive is more formal than wide and is typically used in more professional or academic settings. Wide is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
