widespread support — broad backing
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
support or approval from a large number of people or groups, often across different areas or sections of society.
Say it like a native
Textbook The measure enjoys approval from a broad cross-section of the populace.
Native The measure has widespread support.
'Widespread support' is the set phrase; the formal version is bureaucratic.
Pattern: widespread support (for something)
In use
- The new policy received widespread support from both teachers and parents.society
- If a government initiative has widespread support, it is much more likely to succeed because people are willing to cooperate.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ The plan has a widespread support.
✓ The plan has widespread support.
'Support' is uncountable — no 'a'.
Common collocations
widespread support + for— for the policy, enjoy widespread support, win, gain
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'strong support', which focuses on the intensity of backing, 'widespread support' highlights how many people or groups are involved. It is more formal and precise than simply saying 'a lot of support'.