breadth of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breadth of things" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing the variety or range of different subjects or items, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "The breadth of things we can learn from different cultures is truly fascinating."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Third, and most important, is that classical computers, for now, still have an enormous advantage in the breadth of things to which they can be applied.

The New Yorker

"The technology is improving and the range of sensitive terms is expanding because the depth and breadth of things they must manage just keeps on growing," Mr. Hu said.

The New York Times

Now I'm scrolling through Elon's Twitter feed, trying to find the OG "Rococo Basilisk" banter, but I'm getting distracted by the sheer breadth of things the dude seems to be working on.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But after three years, I realised that our expertise, experience and preference lies on the "depth" rather than breadth side of things.

The Guardian

"Joni Mitchell does such a breadth of creative things.

Independent

"The breadth of this thing is novel to me," Justice Antonin Scalia told Mr. Cantor.

The New York Times

The plans resemble those in the United States under the Affordable Care Act: offered by private insurance companies, community rated and guaranteed-issue, with prices varying by things like breadth of network, size of deductible and ease of seeing a specialist.

The New York Times

There are many steps that networks could take to add value and deliver a better experience, says Fader. "These networks have the breadth of content and could do things like have celebrity interviews" or get a comedian to give play-by-play commentary on a recent episode.

Forbes

All sorts of things could be compatible, given the breadth of human personality.

Huffington Post

Increased availability of information and freedom of speech a good thing, and breadth of opinion is essential to agitate and move us forwards.

The Guardian

This breadth of tone is a good thing: he takes every last variation in his 90-minute account, but the work seems to zip by in no time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection of disparate elements, use "breadth of things" to emphasize variety or wide scope, such as "the breadth of things to consider when planning a trip."

Common error

Avoid using "breadth of things" in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "range" or "scope" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breadth of things" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement within a sentence. It indicates the comprehensive range or scope of various items, subjects, or aspects. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase isn't among the most commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breadth of things" describes the comprehensive range or scope of items or subjects, often used to emphasize variety. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically acceptable, it is not frequently encountered. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives such as "range of items" or "scope of matters" may be more appropriate. Understanding the nuances of "breadth of things" helps refine writing and ensure clarity. While not incorrect, remember to be as clear and concise as possible, and opt for stronger more common terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

range of items

Focuses on the variety of items considered.

scope of matters

Emphasizes the extent to which issues are covered.

diversity of subjects

Highlights the different subjects included.

extent of topics

Stresses the reach or scope of the subjects.

spectrum of issues

Implies a wide array of related concerns.

gamut of aspects

Suggests a complete range of different aspects.

variety of elements

Indicates a selection of different elements.

compass of concerns

Highlights the area or scope of different concerns.

reach of objects

Focuses on the distance or scope that objects can cover.

magnitude of items

Emphasizes the importance or size of different items.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "breadth of things" in a sentence?

You can use "breadth of things" to describe the wide variety or range of items or subjects, for example: "The course covers the "breadth of things" related to environmental science."

What are some alternatives to "breadth of things"?

Alternatives include "range of items", "scope of matters", or "diversity of subjects" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "breadth of things" considered formal or informal?

"Breadth of things" is generally considered neutral but leaning towards informal. In very formal contexts, consider using phrases like "extent of topics" or "gamut of aspects" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "breadth of things" and "variety of things"?

While both phrases indicate a range, "variety of things" emphasizes the different types or kinds, whereas ""breadth of things"" focuses on the overall scope or extent.