a broad overview of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad overview of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a general summary or outline of a topic without going into detailed specifics. Example: "In this report, we will provide a broad overview of the current trends in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Below, a broad overview of the unit.

The New York Times

Blockchain Revolution aims to provide a broad overview of changes the technology could bring about.

The Guardian - Books

He used the pieces to create a broad overview of Western choral styles.

The New York Times - Arts

"This film won't try to give a broad overview of Davis' life and give short shrift to this man's story.

The Guardian - Film

This article opens with a broad overview of the fundamental properties of the atom and its constituent particles and forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We imagine that the research process begins with students getting a broad overview of the candidates and their positions.

The New York Times

I would write a one-page introduction, which would typically begin with a broad overview of the subject.

The New York Times

"It was just a broad overview of concepts," said one person involved in the discussions, adding that Citigroup "was simply broaching the concept of a global settlement".

The New York Times

When you take a broad overview of what has been written about drugs, you can't resist the conclusion that it doesn't add up to much.

The New Yorker

Another aspect of the Boeing plan, which is not yet defined in detail, would be to make a broad overview of traffic conditions available to all the airlines.

The New York Times

We can here give only a broad overview of an enormous and complicated literature.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the overview accurately reflects the scope and depth of the subsequent content. Be sure to actually deliver what the phrase promises.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad overview of" if you only cover a limited or specific aspect of a topic. Make sure the content truly provides a wide-ranging perspective, otherwise consider a more focused description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad overview of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce a summary or outline of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to provide a general understanding before delving into more specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad overview of" is a frequently used noun phrase that introduces a general summary or outline of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news and media, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the content truly provides a wide-ranging perspective. Alternatives include "a general summary of", "a comprehensive outline of", and "a wide-ranging survey of", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general summary of

Focuses on summarizing information, implying less detail.

a comprehensive outline of

Emphasizes a structured presentation covering all essential aspects.

a wide-ranging survey of

Highlights the breadth and scope of the examination.

a sweeping review of

Implies a quick but extensive examination.

a panoramic view of

Suggests a broad perspective, similar to seeing a landscape.

a thumbnail sketch of

Conveys a concise, simplified representation.

a bird's-eye view of

Suggests a high-level, distant perspective.

a basic rundown of

Implies a simple and quick explanation.

a condensed version of

Focuses on brevity and reduction of content.

a rough idea of

Suggests an approximate or incomplete understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a broad overview of" in a sentence?

You can use "a broad overview of" to introduce a general summary or outline of a topic, such as, "This chapter provides "a broad overview of" ship design, construction and operation."

What is a good alternative to "a broad overview of"?

Alternatives include "a general summary of", "a comprehensive outline of", or "a wide-ranging survey of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a broad overview of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a broad overview of" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in academic papers, reports, and business documents to introduce a topic or provide context.

What's the difference between "a broad overview of" and "a detailed analysis of"?

"A broad overview of" presents a general summary without going into specifics, while "a detailed analysis of" delves into the specifics and examines the topic in depth. The choice depends on the purpose and scope of your writing.