as broad as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as broad as" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things or ideas that are either both wide or both narrow. For example: "Her love for animals was as broad as her knowledge of their behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Others are as broad as the atmosphere, including treaties that ban ozone-destroying chemicals.

The New York Times - Science

Our common interests are as broad as the continent".

The New Yorker

"Almost no museums have Adams collections as broad as this," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times - Arts

Most of the humor in "Maybe Baby" isn't as broad as Mr. Atkinson's hilarious turn.

The New York Times

He wore a green uniform and an officer's cap as broad as a dinner plate.

The New Yorker

Her comedy of self-betterment is as broad as her comedy of anger and disorientation.

The New York Times - Arts

But the capabilities they offer are not as broad as other agencies".

The New Yorker

-- hospitable, liberating and as broad as the dry, grassy plains around town.

The New York Times

The goals of today's filmmakers are as broad as those of their predecessors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The NYRB's field was as broad as they wanted it to be.

The Guardian - Film

It could resolve the debate about measuring a concept as broad as multimorbidity seems to be.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as broad as" when you want to emphasize the extensive scope or range of something, whether it's a physical dimension or an abstract concept. For example, "His interests are as broad as the field of history itself."

Common error

Avoid using "as broad as" when a more specific descriptor would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The category is as broad as 'things'," consider a more descriptive term like 'general' or 'inclusive'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as broad as" functions as a comparative construction, specifically an adjective phrase used to indicate similarity in scope, range, or extent between two entities. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing physical dimensions, abstract concepts, and personal attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as broad as" is a versatile comparative construction used to equate the scope or range of two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of examples reveals its frequent appearance in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, highlighting its adaptability across diverse contexts. While "as broad as" is effective for emphasizing extensiveness, writers should ensure it's the most precise descriptor and not overused in limited contexts. Related phrases like "as extensive as" and "as wide as" provide alternative wording options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as extensive as

Replaces "broad" with "extensive", emphasizing a wide reach or coverage.

as wide as

Uses "wide" instead of "broad", focusing on physical or conceptual width.

as comprehensive as

Substitutes "broad" with "comprehensive", highlighting completeness and thoroughness.

as encompassing as

Replaces "broad" with "encompassing", stressing the inclusion of many elements.

as far-reaching as

Uses "far-reaching" to emphasize the extent of influence or impact.

as all-inclusive as

Replaces "broad" with "all-inclusive", stressing the inclusion of everything.

to the same extent as

Offers a more formal way to express a similar degree or scope.

to the same degree as

Provides a formal alternative focusing on the level or intensity.

as large as

Replaces "broad" with "large", focusing on the size or magnitude.

as vast as

Uses "vast" instead of "broad", emphasizing the immensity of scope.

FAQs

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

Use "as broad as" to compare the scope or range of something to something else. For example, "Her understanding of the subject is "as broad as" a textbook." You can compare any kind of breadth: physical, intellectual or even emotional.

What's the difference between "as broad as" and "as wide as"?

While both phrases relate to measurement, "as broad as" often refers to abstract concepts like scope or range, while "as wide as" typically describes physical dimensions. For example, "The implications are "as broad as" the problem itself" versus "The river is "as wide as" a football field."

Can I use "as broad as" to describe non-physical attributes?

Yes, "as broad as" can be used to describe non-physical attributes like knowledge, interests, or perspectives. For instance, "His experience in the industry is "as broad as" the entire sector."

Are there any synonyms for "as broad as" that I can use?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "as extensive as", "as comprehensive as", or "as encompassing as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.