a broad section of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad section of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large and diverse group of people or things within a particular context. Example: "The new policy has received support from a broad section of the community, indicating widespread approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

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

The Economist

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

With Kadima's 28 seats in Parliament, Mr. Netanyahu will have a government that includes 96 of the 120 lawmakers, covering a broad section of the political spectrum.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

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

A surprisingly broad section of the Republican Party is convinced that a threat once taken as economic fact may not exist — or at least may not be so serious.

The New York Times

"Calligraphy, coding, and how to start a business" are part of the broad section of categories she highlighted.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad section of" to emphasize inclusivity or wide representation within a group or area. For example, "The study surveyed a broad section of the population" suggests a comprehensive representation.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad section of" without providing specifics about the group or area being referenced. For example, instead of saying "a broad section agreed", specify 'a broad section of voters agreed' to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad section of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a large and diverse portion is being considered. Ludwig AI confirms that is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad section of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a large, diverse, and representative part of a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes the whole to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a wide range of" or "a significant portion of" can add nuanced meaning. By following best practices and avoiding overgeneralization, you can effectively use "a broad section of" to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion of

Emphasizes the importance or size of the section.

a large segment of

Highlights the section as a considerable piece or part.

a substantial part of

Highlights the materiality and importance of the portion.

a wide range of

Focuses on the diversity within the section, rather than just its size.

a diverse array of

Similar to "a wide range of" but can imply a more structured collection.

a major fraction of

Indicates that the section represents a large, quantifiable part.

a considerable number of

Focuses on the quantity aspect of the section.

a good percentage of

More explicitly refers to a quantifiable proportion.

a sweeping extent of

Conveys the section as large and encompassing.

an extensive selection of

Stresses the variety and abundance within the chosen section.

FAQs

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

Use "a broad section of" to indicate that something applies to or is representative of a diverse or large part of a group or area. For example, "The policy change affected "a broad section of the community"".

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

You can use alternatives like "a wide range of", "a significant portion of", or "a large segment of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While both are acceptable, "a broad section of" often implies a more diverse and encompassing group, whereas "a wide section of" might emphasize physical extent or scope.

What's the difference between "a broad section of" and "a cross section of"?

"A broad section of" refers to a large or general part, while "a cross section of" implies a representative sample containing diverse elements in proportion to their presence in the larger group.