a broad timeline

USAGE SUMMARY

"a broad timeline" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a timeline that covers a wide range of time. For example, "This project requires us to keep a broad timeline of the past 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The government will soon start appointing advisers to run the sale, on a broad timeline to conclude by 2020.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The broad timeline offered by the Yemeni official meshes with previously established outlines of Mr. Abdulmutallab's travels: he went to Sana to attend Arabic language classes last August, was driven to the airport on Sept. 21 with an exit visa but then slipped out of sight.

The New York Times

For one thing, it clarifies the broader timeline of activity during the summer.

The Washington Post

Lyft says via a spokesperson that the new look and feel is "an exercise to learn more about our users" but notes that there's currently "no timeline for a broad rollout".

TechCrunch

Efforts in developing a broad understanding of target species, expected results, benchmarks and timelines, will be of primary importance.

Marine Environmental Research

So, with the final report from Mueller's team still behind closed doors, we've gathered elements from all of our timelines into one grand timeline, providing a broader sense of what we've learned.

The Washington Post

Get a broad ETF.

Forbes

-Cast a broad net.

Science Magazine

Use a broad knife.

WikiHow

Choose a broad category.

WikiHow

"We further refined the timeline to display a broader set of Tweets from a person's network and applied deep learning models to show the most relevant Tweets first..

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad timeline", ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope and purpose of the timeline. It's best suited for situations where specific dates are less important than overall progression.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad timeline" when a detailed, date-specific schedule is required. The term suggests a general overview rather than precise planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad timeline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. It describes a schedule or plan that covers a wide range of time without specific details.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad timeline" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a general schedule or plan over an extended period. Ludwig AI suggests that it's suitable for contexts where specific dates are less critical than overall progress. While its frequency is rare, it appears in diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Wiki. When using this term, ensure clarity in scope and purpose, avoiding it when detailed, date-specific planning is necessary. Consider alternatives such as "a comprehensive schedule" or "an extensive timeframe" to suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive schedule

This alternative emphasizes the completeness and detail of the schedule, differing from "a broad timeline" which focuses on the overall duration.

a wide-ranging timescale

This alternative highlights the extensive nature of the timescale, adding emphasis to how much it covers.

an extensive timeframe

This alternative focuses on the duration of the period, highlighting its length and scope.

a general schedule

This term is less specific, suggesting a non-detailed plan.

a long-term plan

This alternative stresses the extended duration, particularly beneficial if the timeline stretches far into the future.

an extended schedule

This alternative shifts focus from general scope to the expanded duration of activities.

a flexible deadline

This phrase focuses on the adaptability of the deadline rather than the entire timeline.

an approximate schedule

Highlights imprecision, unlike "broad" which suggests inclusivity.

an open-ended timeline

Emphasizes the lack of a defined end, contrasting with "broad" which implies wide scope but not necessarily indefinite duration.

a rough agenda

This phrase suggests a preliminary plan without strict adherence to times.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The project requires us to establish "a broad timeline" to manage the different phases effectively" or "The government will soon start appointing advisers to run the sale, on "a broad timeline" to conclude by 2020".

What's the difference between "a broad timeline" and a specific one?

"A broad timeline" focuses on general periods and phases, while a specific timeline includes precise dates and milestones. Use "a broad timeline" for overviews and a specific timeline for detailed planning.

Are there situations where "a broad timeline" is not appropriate?

Yes, in projects demanding exact scheduling, such as coordinating multiple teams with interdependent tasks, "a broad timeline" would lack necessary precision. Consider using a detailed project management tool instead.

What can I say instead of "a broad timeline"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a comprehensive schedule", "an extensive timeframe", or "a general schedule".