breadth and depth

USAGE SUMMARY

"breadth and depth" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the range or extent of something, either physical or figurative. For example: "This book covers a wide breadth and depth of topics, from the history of World War II to cutting-edge quantum computing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Breadth and depth are equally prized.

The New York Times

Excellent execution requires both breadth and depth.

Harvard Business Review

For me, universities are institutions that provide breadth and depth.

The Guardian

"The breadth and depth is kind of amazing".

The New Yorker

Naturally, trade-offs between breadth and depth were necessary.

The New York Times - Books

It's about layers and layers and having breadth and depth".

The Guardian

The breadth and depth of our students' experience is exceptional.

Cornell University

Breadth and depth of clinical affiliation sites, nationwide and abroad.

Columbia University

It is terribly exciting to have such enormous breadth and depth.

The Guardian - Arts

But the sheer breadth and depth of this particular disco-ball gives it lasting clout.

The Guardian - Books

Charlotte would be amazed and amused by the breadth and depth of the response.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breadth and depth" to describe the scope and intensity of knowledge, skills, or experience to emphasize complete coverage and understanding.

Common error

Don't use "breadth" when you mean "depth" or vice versa. "Breadth" refers to the range of topics or areas covered, while "depth" refers to the level of detail within those areas. Using them interchangeably can confuse your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breadth and depth" functions as a compound noun phrase, typically used to describe the scope and thoroughness of knowledge, skills, or understanding. Ludwig examples show it used to characterize research, educational programs, and individual expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breadth and depth" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the comprehensiveness of knowledge, skills, or experience. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, denoting both the range (breadth) and thoroughness (depth) of a subject. While alternatives like "range and scope" or "comprehensive knowledge" exist, "breadth and depth" succinctly conveys the dual nature of extensive coverage and detailed understanding. Remember to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that both qualities are genuinely present in what you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

range and scope

Emphasizes the extent and variety covered.

wide-ranging expertise

Highlights the extensive knowledge in different areas.

thorough understanding

Focuses on a complete and detailed grasp of the subject.

comprehensive knowledge

Stresses the completeness of the information.

extensive and profound

Highlights both the reach and significance of something.

all-encompassing coverage

Indicates that every aspect is included.

in-depth exploration

Focuses on a detailed and thorough examination.

detailed and broad

Similar to the original, but using different adjectives.

complete mastery

Highlights full competence and understanding.

vast knowledge base

Implies a large collection of information and understanding.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "breadth and depth" in a sentence?

Use "breadth and depth" to emphasize both the range of coverage and the level of detail. For instance, "The course offers both "breadth and depth" in its curriculum, covering many topics thoroughly".

What phrases are similar to "breadth and depth"?

Alternatives include "range and scope", "thorough understanding", or "comprehensive knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "breadth or depth" instead of "breadth and depth"?

Using "breadth or depth" suggests a choice between the two, whereas "breadth and depth" implies the presence of both. The correct usage depends on whether you want to indicate a selection or a combination.

In what contexts is "breadth and depth" most appropriate?

"Breadth and depth" is suitable in contexts where both wide coverage and detailed analysis are important, such as academic research, strategic planning, or comprehensive training programs.