a broad gauge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad gauge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to railways or measurements, referring to a wider than standard gauge of track. Example: "The new railway line will be built using a broad gauge to accommodate larger trains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index, a broad gauge of market activity, lost 0.6 percent at the start of trading.

The New York Times

But the Russell 2000 index, a broad gauge of smaller stocks, reached a new high on April 5, surpassing the record it set in March 2000.

The New York Times

These ratings will tell investors whether to emphasize or de-emphasize their holdings in the industry, relative to a broad gauge like the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index.

The New York Times

According to analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, earnings growth for companies in the index, a broad gauge of big stocks, are expected to slow to 12.9percentthis yearar from 18.3percentt in 2003.

The New York Times

Eurostat also said Thursday that the industrial producer price index — a broad gauge of price pressure within industry — fell 0.2percentt in the euro zone in May from the previous month.

The New York Times

The nation's employment cost index -- a broad gauge of compensation trends and one of the most closely watched yardsticks of inflationary pressures -- rose a surprisingly strong 1percentthis summerer, the Labor Department reported yesterday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A broader gauge, which includes those who have given up searching for a job and involuntary part-time workers, suggests more than one in six workers is underemployed.

The Economist

A broader gauge of underemployment that includes involuntary part-time workers and those who have stopped looking for work, called the U-6 rate, fell to 9.2percentt in December, the lowest reading since the financial crisis.

The Washington Post

Although such initiatives are in their infancy, supporters claim that using a broader gauge of academic prowess will lead to more diversity in the classroom.This column applauds more competition in educational testing.

The Economist

Because of the importance of Bordeaux to the wine trade (it is the largest quality wine producing area in the world) en primeur week has taken on an outsize importance as a broader gauge of the state of the market for wine.

The New York Times

It is important to understand that the official crime rate is a powerful indicator of crime in New York and a broader gauge of how the city is doing.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad gauge" in technical writing, clarify the specific context to avoid ambiguity, especially if referring to railway measurements versus abstract evaluations.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad gauge" when a more specific measurement or indicator is available, as this can weaken the clarity and precision of your writing. If you have specific data, use it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad gauge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes something that provides a comprehensive or wide-ranging assessment. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad gauge" is a noun phrase denoting a comprehensive assessment or measurement, as validated by Ludwig. It commonly appears in news and media, wiki, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While grammatically sound, precision is key: use specific measures when available. As Ludwig AI also points out, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English but is typically used in railways or measurements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive measure

Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the measurement.

a comprehensive evaluation

Emphasizes the completeness of the evaluation process.

a wide-ranging assessment

Focuses on the extensive scope of the evaluation.

a sweeping analysis

Suggests a comprehensive and far-reaching examination.

a general indicator

Highlights the use of the gauge as a sign or signal of overall trends.

a general yardstick

Highlights the use of a standard for comparison that is not extremely precise.

a holistic view

Implies a consideration of the whole system, rather than just individual parts.

a large-scale evaluation

Conveys the magnitude and breadth of the assessment process.

a wide spectrum

Focuses on the breadth and diversity of the area being considered.

a rough estimate

Indicates an approximate calculation without high precision.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad gauge" to describe a comprehensive measurement or assessment. For example, "The S&P 500 is "a broad gauge" of the U.S. stock market's performance".

What are some alternatives to "a broad gauge"?

Alternatives include "a comprehensive measure", "a wide-ranging assessment", or "a general indicator", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a broad gauge" or "a broader gauge"?

"A broad gauge" refers to a general or wide measurement, while "a broader gauge" implies a more inclusive or extensive measurement than something previously considered. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a broad gauge" in technical writing?

It's appropriate when you need to convey a general sense of measurement or evaluation, but be prepared to provide specific details or context to avoid vagueness. Consider "a comprehensive evaluation" as a more precise term.