a broad theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a theory that encompasses a wide range of ideas or concepts, often in a general or overarching sense. Example: "The scientist proposed a broad theory that aimed to explain various phenomena across multiple disciplines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Bush administration, which has embraced a broad theory of federal pre-emption of individual tort suits, entered the case on the manufacturer's behalf.

The New York Times

Order without Law firmly grounds its analysis in real-world events, while building a broad theory of how people cooperate to mutual advantage.

Harvard University

A broad theory of revenue management would permit restaurant operators to gain the benefits of strategic revenue management that they currently lack.

Cornell University

A broad theory of multitrait population projection matrices (MPPMs) incorporating larger number of traits was long held back by time and space computational complexity issues.

Theoretical Population Biology

King's theory is a broad theory designed to provide a framework for nursing (I.M. King, 1981), whereas emotional intelligence (EI; J.D. Mayer & P. Salovey, 2004) is a theory that is specific for addressing potential competency in dealing with emotions and emotional information.

Journal of Professional Nursing

Rather, it's based on a broad theory that certain kinds of behavior towards people may be negligent if they "involve an unreasonable risk" of provoking a criminal attack.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But as a broader theory of governance, which it was, it is troubling.

The New Yorker

Nor did he have a broader theory about what was fueling the anti-Semitic acts.

The New York Times

In that book, he merged environmentalism and anarchism into a broader theory of how the state and capitalism are at war with nature.

The New York Times - Arts

Pavlovic's doctoral dissertation aims to explain Al-Qaeda's strategic behavior and organizational structures within the context of a broader theory of revolutionary terrorism and millenarian movements.

Yale University

By situating this approach in a broader theory of societal value, we reconceptualise from first principles, the concept of 'value in urban design'.

Design Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a broad theory", ensure that the subsequent explanation clarifies the scope and key elements of the theory. Be specific about what makes it "broad".

Common error

Avoid presenting "a broad theory" without providing sufficient context or evidence. Ensure that the theory is well-supported and not simply a vague generalization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad theory" functions as a noun phrase, where "broad" modifies the noun "theory". It describes the nature of the theory being referenced. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English. The examples show it used across various fields.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a broad theory" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, though its usage is relatively rare according to Ludwig. It is most frequently found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, signaling a comprehensive explanation encompassing a wide range of concepts or phenomena. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the specific elements and scope of the theory to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "a comprehensive theory" or "a general theory" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive theory

Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the theory.

a general theory

Highlights the wide applicability of the theory.

a wide-ranging theory

Focuses on the extensive scope and coverage of the theory.

an expansive theory

Stresses the inclusive and all-encompassing nature of the theory.

an overarching theory

Implies a theory that provides a unifying framework.

a large-scale theory

Highlights the size and ambition of the theory.

a macro theory

Suggests a theory focused on large-scale phenomena.

a sweeping theory

Indicates a theory that covers a vast area or subject.

a grand theory

Emphasizes the ambition and scope of the theoretical framework.

a holistic theory

Highlights the interconnectedness and integration of elements within the theory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad theory" to describe a conceptual framework that encompasses many aspects of a subject. For example, "The researcher developed "a broad theory" to explain the origins of the universe".

What are some alternatives to saying "a broad theory"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a comprehensive theory", "a general theory", or "an overarching theory".

What does it mean to have "a broad theory"?

Having "a broad theory" implies possessing a wide-ranging explanation or model that covers a significant number of phenomena or aspects within a particular domain.

Is "a broad theory" the same as "a specific theory"?

No, "a broad theory" is the opposite of "a specific theory". While "a broad theory" aims to provide a general understanding, a specific theory focuses on a particular aspect or subset of a subject.