a broad term

USAGE SUMMARY

"a broad term" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a word that can be interpreted in many different ways. For example: "Linguistically, 'love' is a very broad term; it can mean different things to different people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Entertainment" is a broad term.

Independent

"Service is a broad term," he said.

The New York Times

"Structural reform" is a broad term.

The Economist

Wearable computing is a broad term.

The New York Times

Well, "stage" can be a broad term.

The New York Times

Feature is a broad term.

The Guardian - Books

"Old guard" is a broad term that is fuzzy around the edges.

The Guardian - Opinion

To say that "escape" is a broad term in popular literature is an understatement.

The Guardian - Books

Nanotechnology is such a broad term that it is difficult to generalise about the value it could bring.

The Guardian

It can be a broad term – usually, they're alien architectures, ranging from the man-sized to the planetary.

The Guardian - Books

Northern music is a broad term, but it is certainly interesting that the the north has proved so musically prolific.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad term", always follow it with a clarifying explanation or examples to avoid ambiguity and ensure your audience understands the specific scope you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad term" without providing specific examples or context. This can lead to misinterpretation and weaken your argument. Instead, define the term's scope or list key components.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad term" functions as a modifier of a noun (the term itself), indicating that the term in question has a wide-ranging or encompassing definition. Ludwig examples confirm its use in introducing and characterizing concepts with wide scopes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad term" is a common phrase used to describe a concept with a wide range of meanings or applications. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's essential to provide context and examples when using "a broad term" to avoid ambiguity. Its prevalence across News & Media and Science demonstrates its versatility. When using the term always clarify its scope or definition in the specific context to ensure that communication is effective and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general term

Emphasizes the generality of the term, focusing on its wide applicability.

a wide-ranging term

Highlights the extensive scope and diverse applications of the term.

an encompassing term

Focuses on the term's ability to include various elements or aspects.

a comprehensive term

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness of the term's coverage.

a sweeping term

Suggests the term covers a large area or range, often in a less precise way.

a catch-all term

Implies the term is used to group together diverse or vaguely related items.

a blanket term

Indicates the term covers a wide range of things, often without detailed distinction.

an umbrella term

Similar to 'blanket term', but emphasizes the protective or inclusive nature of the term.

a loose term

Highlights the lack of strict definition or precision in the term's application.

a flexible term

Focuses on the term's adaptability and its ability to be applied in various contexts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a broad term" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a broad term", introduce the term, state that it is broad, and then provide specific examples or a definition to clarify its scope. For instance, "'Technology' is "a broad term", encompassing everything from simple tools to complex software and hardware systems".

What phrases can I use instead of "a broad term"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a general term", "a wide-ranging term", or "an encompassing term" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it acceptable to use "a broad term" in academic writing?

Yes, it's acceptable, but clarity is key. When using "a broad term" in academic writing, ensure you provide a clear definition and specific examples to avoid ambiguity. Always clarify the scope of the term within your specific context.

What's the difference between "a broad term" and "a vague term"?

"A broad term" refers to a term with a wide scope, while "a vague term" lacks precision and clarity. A broad term can be useful if properly defined, whereas a vague term is generally undesirable in precise communication.