a broad trend

USAGE SUMMARY

"a broad trend" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a large and general pattern or movement that can be observed over a wide area or among a large group of people. You can use "a broad trend" when discussing societal, economic, or cultural patterns or changes. For example: - "There has been a broad trend towards healthier eating habits in recent years." - "The company's profits have been declining, reflecting a broad trend in the industry." - "A broad trend of decreasing crime rates can be seen across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"If a lot of them are doing the same thing at the same time, it shows a broad trend".

The New York Times

They are 5.37 percent lower than they were at the beginning of the year, reflecting a broad trend among Chinese banks.

The New York Times

Mr. Banga said that MasterCard, like its competitors, is benefiting from a broad trend away from cash and checks and toward electronic forms of payment.

The New York Times

Once held up as a model of foreign investment in Russia, the TNK-BP venture is unraveling amid a broad trend of Kremlin assertiveness over the country's oil resources.

The New York Times

However, the decline in factory output is a broad trend, indicated by a steep fall in the US manufacturing PMI on Sunday to its lowest level since 2009 and stagnation in China and much of Europe.

The Guardian - Business

While Professor Birch thought that the methodology of the report could be sharpened, she agreed with the finding that there was a broad trend of people moving back to downtown.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This reflects a broader trend.

The Economist

But it adds to a broader trend.

The Economist

The stoicism is a broader trend.

The New York Times

Is it a fluke, or evidence of a broader trend?

The Guardian

And it's part of a broader trend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad trend", ensure you can support the claim with evidence. Avoid generalizations without backing data or observations.

Common error

Be cautious not to exaggerate the reach of "a broad trend". Just because a trend exists doesn't mean it affects everyone or everything. Clearly define the scope and limitations of the trend you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

A broad trend functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a general direction or pattern observed across a significant portion of a population or system. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad trend" is a noun phrase used to describe a widespread pattern or movement. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide supporting evidence to avoid generalizations and to clearly define the scope of the trend being discussed. Alternatives such as ""a widespread tendency"" or ""a general pattern"" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances, catering to specific writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread tendency

Replaces "trend" with "tendency" and "broad" with "widespread", emphasizing the prevalence of the trend.

a general pattern

Substitutes "trend" with "pattern" and "broad" with "general", focusing on a common occurrence.

a prevalent development

Replaces "trend" with "development" and "broad" with "prevalent", highlighting the widespread nature of the change.

a common movement

Uses "movement" instead of "trend" and "common" instead of "broad", indicating a shared direction or shift.

a sweeping change

Emphasizes the scale of the change using "sweeping" instead of "broad".

a dominant shift

Highlights the power and influence of the trend using "dominant" instead of "broad".

a noticeable inclination

Replaces "trend" with "inclination" and emphasizes the ease of observing the trend with "noticeable".

a growing phenomenon

Highlights the increasing nature of the trend using "growing" and replaces "trend" with "phenomenon".

a significant drift

Uses "drift" instead of "trend", suggesting a gradual shift, and emphasizes importance with "significant".

a macro tendency

Replaces "broad" with "macro" to suggest on a larger scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad trend" to describe a widespread pattern or movement, as in "There's "a broad trend" towards remote work" or "A broad trend in consumer behavior is the increasing demand for sustainable products".

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

Alternatives include "a widespread tendency", "a general pattern", or "a prevalent development" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a broad trend" in formal writing?

Yes, "a broad trend" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing economic, social, or technological changes. It is often used in reports, articles, and academic papers.

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

"A broad trend" indicates a widespread pattern affecting many areas or people, while "a specific trend" refers to a more limited and focused pattern. For example, the increasing use of smartphones is "a broad trend", while a particular app gaining popularity is a specific trend.