What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
widening
Example
The city is planning on widening the road to accommodate more traffic. [widening: gerund]
Example
The gap between the two buildings is widening due to the shifting foundation. [widening: present participle]
expansion
Example
The company is planning an expansion of its operations into new markets. [expansion: noun]
Example
The universe is in a state of constant expansion, according to current scientific theories. [expansion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expansion is more commonly used than widening in everyday language. Expansion is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while widening is more specific and limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between widening and expansion?
Both widening and expansion are formal words that can be used in academic or professional contexts. However, expansion is more commonly used in business or economic contexts, making it slightly more formal than widening.
