a broad stroke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad stroke" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a generalization or an oversimplified view of a situation. Example: "In discussing the issue, he painted a broad stroke, failing to consider the complexities involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The article's few anecdotes paint dermatologists unfairly with a broad stroke.

The New York Times

"What bothers me about it is that you paint with such a broad stroke of the brush.

The New York Times

The fact that Hunt co-wrote a book about how to dismantle the NHS makes him feel like a broad stroke in a heavy-handed satire.

The Guardian - Opinion

e360: Can you paint a broad stroke of the African people and what the general tone there is on elephant poaching?

The Guardian

"I think President Obama painted everyone with a broad stroke," said Brian McCaffrey, 55, a Wall Street lawyer who was on his way to see a client.

The New York Times

"Anybody who wants to look at all those groups with a broad stroke should think again," said Matt Moore, the chairman of the state's Republican Party.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The numbers show it's just not an effective policy when used with such a broad strokes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The drawings of Eugène Delacroix, while preserving plastic qualities, show a broader stroke and are thus more pictorial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

AND why we don't have the obligation to voice this to our constituents on campus with a broader stroke of the mighty keyboard or pen?

University of California, Berkeley

Finally, all included studies recruited patients from fairly homogeneous sources such as two general practiceclinics, 8 hospitals 9 12 and a single stroke clinic, 11 which may not be generalisable to a broader stroke population in other settings.

BMJ Open

The term 'cellular bridges' in particular might apply to a number of variations of open-ended actin-based extensions which facilitate intercellular communication, but might paint a broader stroke than intended.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad stroke" when you want to describe a situation where details are omitted or ignored to create a general overview or understanding. Be mindful of the potential for oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad stroke" when discussing sensitive or nuanced topics where details matter significantly. Oversimplification can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad stroke" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object of a verb, such as "paint" or "describe". It signifies a method of generalization or simplification, as seen in Ludwig's examples where topics are represented in a less detailed manner. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that it describes generalizations or oversimplified views.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad stroke" is a common phrase used to describe making a generalization or simplification, particularly in writing and speech. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's valuable for providing overviews, it's important to avoid oversimplifying complex topics. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Related phrases include "sweeping generalization" and "over simplification". When employing "a broad stroke", remember to balance clarity with accuracy to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad generalization

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the extent of the generalization.

wide generalization

Similar to "broad generalization", indicates an extensive scope.

sweeping generalization

Focuses on the act of generalizing without sufficient evidence.

over simplification

Highlights the reduction of complexity, often implying a loss of accuracy.

blanket statement

Suggests a statement that applies to all cases, often unfairly.

general statement

A neutral term for a broad, non-specific assertion.

across-the-board statement

Implies that the statement applies universally.

generalization

A shorter, more direct term for making a general statement.

quick generalization

Emphasizes the speed and potentially the lack of thoroughness in making a generalization.

rough approximation

Highlights the lack of precision and detail.

FAQs

How is "a broad stroke" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a broad stroke" is often used to describe a generalization or simplification of a complex topic. For example, "The report painted "a broad stroke" of the industry's challenges, but lacked specific data".

What are some alternatives to "a broad stroke"?

You can use phrases such as "sweeping generalization", "over simplification", or "general statement" as alternatives depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you need to provide a general overview or summary without delving into specific details. However, ensure that the simplification doesn't misrepresent or distort the topic.

What's the risk of using "a broad stroke"?

The main risk is oversimplification, which can lead to inaccuracies or a failure to address important nuances. Always consider whether the simplification is justified by the context and purpose.