a broad discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or dialogue that covers a wide range of topics or ideas. Example: "The conference will feature a broad discussion on the impact of technology on education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a broad discussion about the storm," Sobel said.

Columbia University

We urge Labour MPs to use their nominations to ensure a broad discussion takes place.

The Guardian

We urge Labour MPs to use their nominations to ensure a broad discussion takes place.

The Guardian

But Adamson called for a broad discussion about the best way to spend the pediatric-research money.

The Washington Post

Adèle Naudé Santos and Neil Gershenfeld contributed to a broad discussion on innovations in social and technological models.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The story – a surprise to most except those closest to Jolie – spurred a broad discussion of genetic testing and pre-emptive surgery.

The Guardian - Film

The session did not focus on specific withdrawal proposals but instead featured a broad discussion of the political climate and security situation, according to senior officials.

The New York Times

But soon after Election Day, Mr. Obama interrupted a broad discussion with historians about the country's challenges with a surprising assertion.

The New York Times

This meeting was held off the Capitol grounds, at the headquarters of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, to enable a broad discussion of politics.

The New York Times

Even as scientists express skepticism that brain organoids will ever come close to sentience, they're the ones calling for a broad discussion, and perhaps more oversight.

The Washington Post

Mr. Zuckerberg's to-do item was answering how to have a broad discussion on where the tech industry should be regulated.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad discussion" when you want to indicate that a conversation or debate covers a wide array of topics or perspectives. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad discussion" as a vague placeholder. Ensure that the context provides some indication of the topics or perspectives being discussed to give the phrase more meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a broad discussion" is to act as a noun phrase, where 'broad' modifies the noun 'discussion'. This phrase commonly functions as the object of a verb or the subject complement, indicating a conversation or debate of wide scope. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad discussion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a conversation or debate that covers a wide range of topics or perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides some indication of the topics covered to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a wide-ranging discussion" or "an extensive conversation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a broad discussion" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide-ranging discussion

This alternative emphasizes the extensive scope of the discussion.

a comprehensive debate

This highlights the thoroughness and depth of the debate.

an extensive conversation

This focuses on the detailed and prolonged nature of the conversation.

a general discussion

This suggests a discussion covering overall aspects without focusing on specifics.

a comprehensive discussion

Similar to "a broad discussion", this emphasizes thoroughness but can imply more structured approach.

a thorough exploration

This emphasizes the depth of analysis rather than just conversation.

an in-depth examination

This shifts the focus to a detailed and careful study.

a wide-ranging debate

Similar to "a broad discussion", this underlines the scope and contentious nature of the exchange.

an open forum

This suggests a setting where various viewpoints are shared and discussed.

a full deliberation

This implies a careful and lengthy consideration of all sides.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad discussion" to describe a conversation that covers many different aspects of a topic. For example, "The conference included "a broad discussion" of climate change and its economic impacts."

What's the difference between "a broad discussion" and "a detailed discussion"?

"A broad discussion" implies covering a wide range of topics, while "a detailed discussion" focuses on specific aspects in depth. They are suitable for different contexts depending on whether you need to cover many topics briefly or explore one topic thoroughly.

What are some alternatives to "a broad discussion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a wide-ranging discussion", "a comprehensive debate", or "an extensive conversation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a broad discussion" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a broad discussion" is suitable for formal writing. It is commonly used in academic, news, and business contexts. However, ensure that the context provides enough information to clarify the scope of the discussion.