a broad swath

USAGE SUMMARY

'a broad swath' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to a wide area, range, or section. For example, you could say, "The storm cut a broad swath of destruction across the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Plus, they come from a broad swath of the country.

The New Yorker

As a result, the king wielded considerable clout across a broad swath of the political spectrum.

The New York Times

Indeed, the government's involvement in a broad swath of industries will continue to linger.

The New York Times

The yellow grains are spread in a broad swath on a long wooden dish, the spianatora.

The New York Times - Food

Tuesday's blackout affected a broad swath of India that encompassed about 670 million people.

The New York Times

In recent months, the board has entertained approaches from a broad swath of suitors.

The New York Times

Wages, adjusted for inflation, have stagnated for a broad swath of workers for over a decade.

The New York Times

It's rare to find an issue on which such a broad swath of Americans agrees.

The New York Times

Actors in the spots represent a broad swath of ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic classes.

The New York Times

It was an encouraging start to the year for a broad swath of the nation's retailers.

The New York Times

Still, SeaWorld is trying to attract a broad swath of visitors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad swath" to emphasize the extensiveness or wide-reaching nature of a subject or area. For example, "The new policy affects a broad swath of the population" effectively conveys its widespread impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad swath" when referring to abstract concepts that lack a sense of area or scope. For example, instead of saying "He has a broad swath of knowledge", consider "He has a wide range of knowledge" or "He has extensive knowledge" to more accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad swath" functions as a modifier describing the extent or range of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's often used to indicate a wide area or scope, as demonstrated in examples like "Tuesday's blackout affected a broad swath of India" or "Wages have stagnated for a broad swath of workers."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad swath" is a commonly used phrase to describe a wide area, range, or group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business writing. While versatile, it's important to use it in contexts where the sense of scale or reach is relevant, avoiding misuse in purely abstract contexts. Consider alternatives like "a wide range" or "a broad spectrum" when appropriate. Ultimately, "a broad swath" remains a valuable tool for effectively conveying the extensive impact or scope of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad spectrum

Indicates a wide array of different elements or aspects.

a wide range

Focuses on variety and diversity rather than physical area.

a wide selection

Emphasizes choice from many options.

a vast expanse

Highlights the large spatial extent or area.

a large segment

Implies a significant portion or section of something.

a sweeping range

Emphasizes the extensiveness and scope.

a comprehensive scope

Highlights the inclusiveness and thoroughness of something.

a considerable portion

Suggests a notable amount or share.

a far-reaching scope

Highlights the extensive impact or influence.

a substantial segment

Indicates a significant and impactful section.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad swath" to describe a wide area, range, or group affected by something. For example, "The new regulations impact "a broad swath" of industries".

What are some alternatives to "a broad swath"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a wide range", "a broad spectrum", or "a large segment".

Is it better to say "a broad swath" or "a wide range"?

The choice between "a broad swath" and "a wide range" depends on the context. "A broad swath" often implies a physical area or a large section of something, while "a wide range" suggests variety or diversity.

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

"A broad swath of the population" means a large and diverse section of people. It implies that the group is not limited to a specific demographic or category.