a little broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little broad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat vague or general in nature, often in discussions or critiques. Example: "The definition you provided is a little broad; could you clarify your main points?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was a little broad for his tastes.

The New Yorker

21 The Bernie supporters are reading a little broad.

The New Yorker

They are a little broad, but she may read anything now she's married, you know.

The Guardian - Books

Adam Fischer's tempos are a little broad but the Vienna Philharmonic plays beautifully.

The New York Times - Arts

But the space program uses the term robot broadly — and the humor has been a little broad, too.

The New York Times

That seems plausible, but also perhaps a little broad, so the movie settles on the demographic subcategory of married white people with children and recreational vehicles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We're aiming a little broader".

The New York Times

"We're appealing to a little broader segment.

The New York Times

"But to me, family is a little broader than to the average person".

The New York Times

The scene could be out of Mozart, though it's a little broader.

The New Yorker

As we step out of the water, our eyes are brighter, our smiles a little broader: our weekend has begun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little broad" to critique concepts or ideas that lack specific focus or detail. For instance, when reviewing a presentation, you might say, "The introduction was a little broad; consider narrowing down your thesis."

Common error

Avoid using "a little broad" excessively in formal academic or professional contexts, as it can come across as informal or vague. Opt for more precise language such as "somewhat general" or "lacking specificity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little broad" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to qualify nouns or concepts that are considered too general or lacking in specificity. This aligns with Ludwig's AI which assesses the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little broad" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that lacks specific detail or is too general. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it is versatile, its register leans towards neutral, being more appropriate for informal or general contexts than for formal academic or business writing. When more formality is required, alternatives such as "somewhat general" or "lacking specificity" can be employed. The phrase's prevalence in News & Media sources underscores its widespread use in commentary and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit too general

Similar to "somewhat general" but with a slightly more critical tone, implying it should be more specific.

somewhat general

This alternative focuses on the lack of specificity, emphasizing the generality of the subject.

slightly exaggerated

This suggests the subject is pushed beyond acceptable limits, more on the hyperbolic side.

slightly hyperbolic

Similar to "slightly exaggerated" but puts focus on the exaggeration

a touch expansive

Focuses on the wide scope or coverage of the subject, implying it might be too inclusive.

marginally overdone

This suggests the subject is excessively elaborate or embellished.

somewhat imprecise

This highlights the lack of accuracy or exactness in the subject.

rather all-encompassing

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the subject, possibly to an excessive degree.

somewhat sweeping

Implies the subject makes a wide-ranging statement without sufficient detail or nuance.

a trifle generic

Suggests the subject is lacking in originality or distinctiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little broad" to describe something that lacks specificity or is too general. For example, "The definition is "a little broad"; could you provide more details?"

What's a more formal alternative to "a little broad"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "somewhat general", "lacking specificity", or "relatively undefined" instead of "a little broad".

Is it appropriate to use "a little broad" in academic writing?

While "a little broad" is grammatically correct, it might be considered too informal for strict academic writing. Using phrases like "somewhat general" or "excessively broad" might be more suitable.

When is it okay to use "a little broad"?

It's okay to use "a little broad" in casual conversation or less formal writing when you want to express that something is too general or lacks specific detail. Be mindful of your audience and the context.