a broad description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad description" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a general or wide-ranging explanation of a topic or subject without going into specific details. Example: "The report provides a broad description of the current market trends and their potential impact on the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

On this score, the governor of the Bank of England offered only a broad description.

The Guardian - Business

But he said, "Much work remains for us to gain a broad description of Jupiter's fluid behavior".

The New York Times - Science

But he would not elaborate, and he gave only a broad description of what the inquiry would cover.

The New York Times

The banking supervisors' committee offered only a broad description of how the tests will be conducted, and it remained unclear whether they will be rigorous and detailed enough to clear up doubts about credit-worthiness that have choked interbank lending in Europe.

The New York Times

In this paper we seek to outline a broad description of the entrepreneurship field by identifying its main works and themes researched and how they are interconnected.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The designing of a limited number of scenarios leads to a broad description of the future possibilities, and in doing so, 'scenario planning attempts to capture the richness and range of possibilities' of the future [22].

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

I would hope I deserve a broader description than 'spotty nerd'".

Independent

The victim was unable to give a broader description of her attacker.

Independent

However, in other circumstances, the similarity could rely on holistic approaches based on a broader description of the chemical structure.

Journal of Cheminformatics

On the other hand, as a broader description of "Twitter's Achilles' heel" I found the article to be less convincing.

TechCrunch

A multiple-case study design provides rich descriptions and interpretations of teachers' experiences, and by examining multiple cases, this information provides a broader description of their experiences relating to STEM integration.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad description", ensure it's followed by more specific details to avoid ambiguity. This helps readers understand the topic without overwhelming them initially.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "a broad description" without providing specific examples or evidence. This can leave your audience feeling uninformed or misled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad description" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'offer a broad description') or following a preposition. Ludwig's examples show it used to introduce general explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad description" is a frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a topic with a general overview. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business settings. While effective for setting the stage, it's important to follow up with specific details to avoid leaving the audience uninformed. Related phrases include "a general overview", "a wide-ranging account", and "a comprehensive summary". Avoiding over-reliance on broad descriptions and ensuring sufficient detail are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an overview

Is more succinct, omitting the adjective "broad".

a general overview

Focuses more on providing a summary rather than a detailed account.

a wide-ranging account

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the explanation.

a comprehensive summary

Combines breadth with conciseness, indicating a complete but brief explanation.

a rough outline

Suggests a sketch or preliminary version, lacking finer details.

a basic rundown

Implies a simple and straightforward explanation, suitable for beginners.

a thumbnail sketch

Describes a brief and concise summary, similar to a small drawing.

a superficial treatment

Suggests a lack of depth, covering only the surface of the topic.

a cursory explanation

Indicates a quick and brief explanation, potentially lacking thoroughness.

a sweeping generalization

Refers to a broad statement that may not be entirely accurate or applicable in all cases.

FAQs

What does "a broad description" mean?

A "broad description" refers to a general explanation that covers the main aspects of a topic without going into excessive detail. It's like sketching the outline of a picture before adding the finer details.

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

You can use "a broad description" to introduce a topic before delving into specifics. For example, "The presentation began with "a broad description" of the company's history before discussing its current projects."

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

You can use alternatives like "a general overview", "a wide-ranging account", or "a comprehensive summary depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a detailed description" or "a broad description"?

It depends on your purpose. Use "a broad description" when you want to provide a general understanding. Use "a detailed description" when you need to provide specific and thorough information.