a broad background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad background" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a wide range of experiences, knowledge, or skills in various areas. Example: "Her diverse career has given her a broad background in both technology and management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

You have a broad background in the arts.

The Guardian - Books

Toyota's top executives typically have a broad background, not a single expertise.

The New York Times

For a man overseeing a deep but narrow niche, Mr. Burke has a broad background.

The New York Times

European music is epic in character; it has a broad background and is gothic in its structure".

The New York Times - Arts

Micah, a native of London, came to chocolate-making in 1999 with a broad background in the food and beverage industry.

The New York Times

Would bring to the job: A broad background as a lawyer, policy wonk, manager and deal maker, with expertise that is equally broad, including technology, communications and environmentally friendly business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

She added there was a broader background of "misogyny and gender politics" playing out in professional baking.

Independent

He said he was recruited when the agency was looking for people from a broader background, not from "public school or Oxbridge".

The Guardian

At a time when Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism is trying to de-emphasize writing and reporting -- the core of traditional journalism education -- and put more emphasis on topics that will give students a broader background, like political theory and statistics, the CUNY school will be grounded in the old-style teaching of journalism as a craft.

The New York Times

His career has just begun, but already he has a broader background than most scientists will acquire in a lifetime.

Science Magazine

As Figure 4a shows, the magnetic modes dominate the peaks of the scattering cross section and the electric modes contribute in the form of a broader background.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a candidate's qualifications, use "a broad background" to emphasize their versatility and adaptability.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad background" without specifying relevant skills or experiences. Provide concrete examples to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the individual's expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad background" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the extent of someone's experience or knowledge, as shown in the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

52%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a broad background" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a wide range of experiences, knowledge, or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using the phrase, ensure to provide specific examples to illustrate the depth and breadth of the background. Consider alternatives like "a wide range of experience" or "varied expertise" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide range of experience

Focuses on the variety of experiences one has.

well-rounded experience

Implies a balance and diversity of experiences.

a diverse skill set

Highlights the variety of skills possessed.

extensive knowledge

Emphasizes the depth and breadth of knowledge.

varied expertise

Highlights the different areas of expertise.

a well-developed foundation

Emphasizes a strong and comprehensive base of knowledge.

a comprehensive understanding

Stresses a complete and thorough grasp of a subject.

a general education

Implies a well-rounded academic foundation.

a multidisciplinary approach

Highlights the integration of multiple disciplines.

a holistic perspective

Suggests a comprehensive and integrated viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "a broad background" in a sentence?

You can use "a broad background" to describe someone's diverse experience or knowledge, such as "She has "a broad background" in both marketing and finance."

What's the difference between "a broad background" and "a diverse background"?

"A broad background" implies a wide range of experiences or knowledge, while "a diverse background" suggests exposure to different cultures, perspectives, or fields. The former focuses on scope, the latter on variety.

Which is correct, "a broad background in" or "a broad background of"?

"A broad background in" is generally preferred when referring to a field or area of expertise. "A broad background of" is less common but can be used to refer to a collection of experiences.

What can I say instead of "a broad background"?

You can use alternatives like "a wide range of experience", "varied expertise", or "extensive knowledge depending on the context.