a very broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very broad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has a wide range or scope, often in relation to topics, categories, or concepts. Example: "The study covers a very broad range of subjects, from history to modern technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We see a very broad approach.

The New York Times

"It's a very broad term".

The New York Times

In a very broad sense, yes.

Cornell University

We're using a very broad term.

Cornell University

This is a very broad term.

The Guardian

"We were given a very broad remit".

The Guardian

We need a very broad debate".

The Guardian

Morris paints with a very broad brush.

The Guardian - Books

"It is a very broad church indeed".

The Guardian - Books

"It's a very broad camp, isn't it?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Conclusion--A Very Broad Range of Testing.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very broad" to describe a topic or subject, provide specific examples to illustrate the extent of its breadth. This adds clarity and prevents vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "a very broad" as a substitute for specific details. While it establishes scope, always follow with concrete examples to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very broad" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating that the noun has a wide scope, range, or extent. Ludwig provides examples where it describes concepts, terms, and areas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very broad" is a versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize the extensive scope or range of something. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent across diverse sources, including news, academic, and scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, always provide specific examples to illustrate the breadth being described and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as ""wide-ranging"", ""extensive"", and ""comprehensive"" can be used to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide-ranging

This alternative emphasizes the extensive scope or range of something, similar to "a very broad".

a far-reaching

This alternative suggests that something has effects or influence that extend a great distance or affect many people or things.

an extensive

This emphasizes the comprehensive nature and scale of something.

a comprehensive

This alternative highlights the thoroughness and completeness of something.

a sweeping

Suggests something covers a wide area or range and often implies a significant impact or change.

a general

This alternative denotes a lack of specificity or detail, implying a broad overview.

an inclusive

Implies that something encompasses a wide variety of elements or aspects.

a wide

A shorter, more direct way of expressing breadth or scope.

a boundless

This alternative suggests that something has no limits or boundaries, indicating a very large scope.

an unlimited

Similar to boundless, emphasizing the absence of restrictions or limits.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very broad" to describe something that covers a wide range of topics or areas. For example, "The course offers "a very broad overview" of European history".

What are some alternatives to "a very broad"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "wide-ranging", "extensive", or "comprehensive", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a very broad" or "a wide"?

"A very broad" emphasizes the extent of the range more strongly than "a wide". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey. For example, you can say "a wide range of topics" or "a very broad range of topics".

How does "a very broad" differ from "a general"?

"A general" implies a lack of detail or specificity, while "a very broad" emphasizes the scope and inclusiveness. For example, "a general understanding" is less detailed than "a very broad understanding", which suggests a wide-ranging knowledge.