being excessively broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being excessively broad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concept, definition, or statement that lacks specificity or is too general in nature. Example: "The guidelines provided were being excessively broad, making it difficult to determine the specific requirements for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Federal District Court ruled the search violated the Fourth Amendment because the warrant was excessively broad.

The New York Times

In a report published on Friday, the 18-strong United Nations committee for human rights warned that the surveillance powers granted to French intelligence agencies were "excessively broad".

The Guardian

Our results indicate that the models generated by Rodda et al. [2] are excessively broad and do not represent an accurate picture of the potential current or future extent of the Burmese python in the United States.

Plosone

Even when clinically indicated, the antibiotic prescribed very often is excessively broad spectrum or is continued for a duration well beyond what is required to eradicate the infection.

Drugs and Aging

Our definition of clinical URTI may have been excessively broad and insufficiently specific which may have led to incorrectly classified events.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Third, as indicated by Friedman et al., the definition of HCA infection which we used in this study may have been excessively broad since the definition was based on the U.S. medical system [ 1].

BMC Infectious Diseases

But, for forecasting NPLs the accounting method is excessively liberal.

Forbes

Being excessively nervous is.

The Guardian

Sorry – I was being excessively nosy.

The Guardian - Film

They avoid being excessively cute or melodramatic.

The New York Times

The visual ray being excessively prolonged becomes weak and wavering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being excessively broad", ensure that you provide specific examples to illustrate the lack of clarity or overgeneralization you are addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "being excessively broad" without providing context. Without specifics, the critique lacks substance and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being excessively broad" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to critique something for lacking specificity or encompassing too much. Ludwig AI shows that this construction is grammatically correct, serving to qualify or modify a noun or concept.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being excessively broad" is a grammatically correct way to critique the scope or definition of something, suggesting that it lacks specificity or encompasses too much. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to express concern about ambiguity or unintended consequences. While the examples are missing, its neutral register makes it suitable for use across a variety of contexts, including professional, academic, and journalistic writing. When using this phrase, remember to provide specific examples to support your critique and clarify the reasons for your assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being overly general

Focuses on the lack of specific details, emphasizing generality.

being too unspecific

Highlights the absence of required specific information.

being excessively vague

Emphasizes a lack of clarity and precision.

being excessively all-encompassing

Highlights that the subject includes too many disparate things.

being excessively inclusive

Suggests that the subject encompasses too many elements, some of which may be irrelevant.

being overly expansive

Emphasizes the wide scope or range of the subject.

being excessively wide-ranging

Highlights the extensive scope and variety.

being excessively sweeping

Indicates a comprehensive, but possibly unsubstantiated, generalization.

being excessively comprehensive

Focuses on the completeness of the information, implying that it might be overwhelming.

being excessively unbounded

Implies the lack of restriction and limitation of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "being excessively broad" in a sentence?

You can use "being excessively broad" to critique a definition, a plan, or a legal clause, for example. For instance, "The definition of 'employee' in the contract is "being excessively broad", potentially including contractors who shouldn't be covered."

What are some alternatives to "being excessively broad"?

Alternatives include "being overly general", "being too vague", or "being overly inclusive" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "being excessively broad" or "being overly specific"?

The choice depends entirely on the situation. "Being excessively broad" suggests a lack of focus, while "being overly specific" implies a narrowness that may exclude relevant factors. Both can be problematic depending on the context.

What's the difference between "being excessively broad" and "being vague"?

"Being vague" implies a lack of clarity or precision, whereas "being excessively broad" suggests that something covers too much ground without sufficient detail. Thus, the phrase "being excessively broad" specifically refers to the scope.