a broader thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broader thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a concept or idea that encompasses a wider scope or larger context than what has been previously mentioned. Example: "While we discussed the specific issue, it's important to consider a broader thing, such as the overall impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a broader thing: Our ability to connect with others, to have meaningful relationships, to have a community.

University of California, Berkeley

He said it is a broader thing and not just the players".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The simplest definition I could muster was "material contributed to a service by the public", which is about as broad as a broad thing on Broadway but hey.

The Guardian

It's really cool - even people from Oklahoma!" Despite their disbelief, the campaign has flagged up a problem that "definitely strikes a chord" with a lot of women and men: "It is such a broad thing that came from our own personal feelings and experiences and we think people relate to that".

Independent

"Longer term it's about that journey towards software accountability," says Law. "Software accountability is quite a broad thing — it really means the ability to be able to know for sure what some software did as it ran.

TechCrunch

The version that's out right now is a more "pro" version geared towards writing stuff and playing it on stage, and the version that will be coming out sometime in the next twelve months, I think, will be more of a broad thing.

HuffPost

"This is not just about Lewis County," said Bill Lotto, head of the county's Economic Development Council. "It becomes a much broader thing when you can't get goods from Mexico to Canada".

The New York Times

"These were still lifes of these dormant objects, and I realized I could make it a much bigger, broader thing, so I just kind of went for it". A local weekend flea market became her regular haunt.

Harvard University

I didn't give her the attention and love I should have done, and I still feel that there's something outstanding between us.' Debt, you see, is a very broad thing, and the scale of the debt doesn't matter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if you take a broader view, things look different: Buying from farms that make the world cleaner and more beautiful rather than uglier and more polluted is healthier.

Huffington Post

"If it was a broad-scale thing about bombs on airplanes without specificity, the general consensus was it did no real value to tell the public something as indefinite as that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broader thing" to indicate a shift in focus from specific details to a more general understanding or context.

Common error

Avoid using "a broader thing" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language like "a comprehensive approach" or "a general principle" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broader thing" functions as a nominal phrase. It serves as a general term to denote a concept, issue, or aspect that is more encompassing or general than the subject under immediate discussion, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broader thing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a concept of greater scope. Ludwig's analysis shows that, although correct, its usage is infrequent and leans toward neutral formality. More precise alternatives are recommended for professional and academic contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and academic circles. Remember that while understandable, it's important to consider the context and choose more descriptive language for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more extensive matter

Emphasizes the scale or reach of the subject.

a larger issue

Focuses on the significance and scale of the problem.

a wider perspective

Highlights the expanded viewpoint or understanding.

a more comprehensive view

Stresses the thoroughness and completeness of the outlook.

a more inclusive concept

Underlines the encompassing nature of the idea.

a more general idea

Highlights the absence of specifics.

a bigger picture

Suggests considering the entirety of the situation.

a holistic approach

Implies considering the interdependence of all elements.

a global context

Shifts focus to a worldwide framework.

an overarching theme

Highlights the principal and all-encompassing subject.

FAQs

How can I use "a broader thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a broader thing" to refer to a concept or idea that encompasses a wider scope or larger context than what has been previously mentioned. For example, "While we discussed the specific issue, it's important to consider "a broader thing", such as the overall impact on the community".

What are some alternatives to "a broader thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a larger issue", "a wider perspective", or "a more inclusive concept".

Is "a broader thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a broader thing" may sound informal. Consider using more precise alternatives like "a comprehensive approach" or "a general principle" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "a broader thing" and "a wide thing"?

"A broader thing" suggests a greater scope or more general context, while "a wide thing" implies physical width or extent. They are not interchangeable.