a broad section

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad section" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a wide range or a large part of a group, category, or population. Example: "The survey was designed to gather opinions from a broad section of the community to ensure diverse perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

In the past many biometric technologies would not work on a broad section of the population.

The Economist

"We'll look forward to Super Tuesday when we have a broad section, a cross-section of America, voting all on that same day," he said.

The New York Times

Relatively few systems are expected to survive because customers want to be able to trade on a service with many participants and a broad section of the market.

The New York Times

Mr. Thomas's House bill is more ambitious and expensive -- seeking to overhaul a broad section of the tax code that governs the foreign profits of American multinationals.

The New York Times

Rising rivers have started to trigger evacuations across a broad section of the state, and computer models are forecasting record flooding.

The Washington Post

At best, the tweets were untold and deeply personal, stemming from a broad section of Americans who might not otherwise take to the streets in protest.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But he asserted there were some advantages to having been moved into a broader section.

The New York Times - Books

Despite efforts to involve a broader section of South Sudanese society, the talks have shrunk to a squabble between the warring parties over the terms of a power-sharing deal.

The Guardian

He said he wasn't persuaded by the argument that folding book reviews into a broader section helped increase exposure for books because such moves tended to diminish total coverage.

The New York Times - Books

Turntable aims to take advantage of the federal health law's insurance expansion to provide care to a broader section of the community.

Los Angeles Times

The magical skit was part of a broader section of the ceremonies, entitled "Second to the Right, and Straight On Till Morning" -- the famous directions to Neverland, as given to Wendy by Peter Pan.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad section", ensure the context clearly defines what the section is part of. For example, "a broad section of the population" is more informative than just "a broad section".

Common error

Avoid using "a broad section" without providing specific details or examples. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, specify the characteristics of the section you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad section" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It modifies a noun to indicate a substantial and inclusive segment of a larger group or entity. Ludwig AI supports this observation based on the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

23%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a broad section" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a significant and diverse portion of a larger group or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to highlight inclusivity and widespread representation. Its usage spans across neutral contexts like news, scientific research, and academic writing. To ensure clarity and impact, it's best to provide specific details about the section being discussed. The frequent appearance of "a broad section" in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide segment

Emphasizes the idea of a part or division that is extensive in width.

a large portion

Focuses on the quantity and magnitude of the part being considered.

a significant part

Highlights the importance and noteworthiness of the section.

a considerable segment

Suggests a segment that is worthy of attention due to its size or importance.

a substantial portion

Implies that the part is sizable and impactful.

a diverse segment

Highlights the variety and heterogeneity contained within the section.

a representative sample

Stresses that the section accurately mirrors the characteristics of a larger group.

a wide spectrum

Indicates a range of different positions, opinions, etc. within the section.

a major component

Focuses on the section being a key part or element of a larger whole.

a large cross-section

Highlights that the section is not only large but also diverse and representative.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad section" to describe a significant portion of a larger group or entity. For example, "The reforms were supported by "a broad section" of the community."

What are some alternatives to using "a broad section"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a wide segment", "a large portion", or "a significant part".

Is it better to say "a wide section" or "a broad section"?

Both "wide" and "broad" can be used, but ""a broad section"" often implies a comprehensive representation, while "a wide section" emphasizes physical extent or range.

What does "a broad section of the population" mean?

It means a large and diverse group of people within the total population, suggesting representation from various demographics or viewpoints.