as a broad principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a broad principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a general guideline or rule that applies in most situations, rather than in specific cases. Example: "As a broad principle, we should prioritize sustainability in all our projects to ensure a positive impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"As a broad principle we should be training more home-grown nurses," he says.

Independent

"We have created the guidelines as a broad principle," he said.

The New York Times

So, as a broad principle, Savage was supportive of the new security measures, but not when it came to the issue that some groups, such as Muslim women, might be spared full-body patdowns.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a broad principle, most policymakers agree that state and local governments shouldn't take actions that stifle innovation, but the devil is in the details.

TechCrunch

As a broad principle, Western nations publicly preach the benefits of engagement over isolation and regard the cold-shoulder as an extreme measure.

BBC

When we focus on agreement as a broad principle, we are more likely to arrive at a settlement that both sides feel is to their advantage.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The key is that the original meaning of a broad principle such as the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of "equal protection of the laws" includes the expectation that its meaning will evolve with later developments.

The New Yorker

As a broader principle, the state tax tribunal's position amounts to discrimination on the basis of content and raises a serious First Amendment issue.

The New York Times

And they tend to oppose, as a broader principle, ideas that are market-oriented, anti-regulatory, capitalist, and pro-growth.

Forbes

Lindows.com is defending a broad principle, its lawyer says.

The New York Times

That's a broad principle.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a concept with "as a broad principle", ensure that subsequent statements elaborate on specific implications or exceptions to that principle for clarity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "as a broad principle" without providing specific examples or acknowledging potential limitations. Overgeneralizing can lead to misinterpretations and weaken the argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a broad principle" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for a general statement or guideline. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in introducing foundational concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a broad principle" serves as an introductory phrase to present a general guideline or foundational concept. Ludwig highlights its correctness and suitability for various writing contexts. Its primary function is to introduce general statements, and it’s most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. While the phrase is grammatically correct, overgeneralization should be avoided by providing specific examples and acknowledging limitations. Alternatives such as "as a general rule" or "generally speaking" can also be employed to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a general rule

Replaces "principle" with "rule", emphasizing a generally accepted standard.

in general terms

Focuses on expressing something without specific details, similar to a broad principle.

generally speaking

Emphasizes the overall perspective being presented, similar to stating a broad principle.

as a basic guideline

Substitutes "broad principle" with "basic guideline", suggesting a fundamental rule.

on a fundamental level

Highlights the foundational nature of the principle being discussed.

as a matter of policy

Indicates that the principle is an established policy or procedure.

as a standard practice

Highlights that the principle is a typical or expected way of doing things.

for the most part

Emphasizes that the principle holds true in most cases, though there may be exceptions.

in most instances

Similar to "for the most part", but specifically refers to individual occurrences.

under normal circumstances

Suggests that the principle applies when conditions are typical or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "as a broad principle" in a sentence?

Use "as a broad principle" to introduce a general guideline or rule that applies in many situations. For instance, "As a broad principle, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint through sustainable practices".

What are some alternatives to "as a broad principle"?

You can use alternatives like "as a general rule", "in general terms", or "generally speaking" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "as a broad principle" formal or informal?

"As a broad principle" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. It is often used in academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

When is it appropriate to use "as a broad principle"?

It's appropriate to use "as a broad principle" when you want to introduce a general concept or guideline that serves as a foundation for further discussion or action. This is a good fit if it is followed by examples, limitations, or more specific details.