broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “broad” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that covers a wide range, as in “The movie’s appeal was broad—it had something for everyone.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The collection answers the endless questions of what to do with the tiny turnips, pink-flushed Florence onions, purple carrots and broad beans the size of a little finger that those of us who use box systems or shop at farmers' markets often find in our kitchens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

China restricts the number of foreign films it releases and often requires broad edits of American films before they meet censors' standards.

The Guardian - Film

It was repeated throughout the show's three hours as a constant reminder to listeners that – whatever Barclays' staggeringly broad sins of the past (mis-selling, rigging interest rates, violating sanctions) – it is now firmly on the side of the angels.

The Guardian - Business

But if there is a hub, a clearing house for the complex, cynical and murderous business of trafficking migrants, then it is a place where the state is defunct and society disenchanted, where the border guards are biddable for $400, where the beaches are broad and where the sea lapping the shore stretches north to another far more promising coastline.

The Guardian

When there is a broad perception of realism that you don't like, you can't just argue against it: you have to build a new realism.

The Guardian

It breaks household wealth down into four broad categories: Net property wealth: if owned, the value of a household's main residence including any other property such as second homes, holiday homes, land and buy-to-lets.

The Guardian

Middle class parents who apply to the school generally believe in a comprehensive, inclusive and broad education and they're often left-wing or liberal.

The Guardian

Amy Adams worked the sideboob magnificently as a broad in American Hustle and apparently she liked the look so much she decided to stick with it for the awards season.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a broad-brush speech, which frequently touched on the topic of freedom and Berliners' resilience, he could not fail to mention the concern felt across Europe about more modern-day encroachments on individual liberty, the recent revelations of internet surveillance and US drone warfare – issues which dominated his 25-hour visit to the German capital.

The Guardian

The documents also show that Msipa talked to other members of Zanu-PF, who claimed the killings were the result of a formal, broad-based decision by the leadership.

The Guardian

Instead of focusing on high standards, the delivery of a broad-based curriculum and proper governance arrangements in schools he has sought to distract attention from this by launching a self-indulgent turf war with Theresa May.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like support or appeal, use "broad" to indicate wide acceptance or relevance. For example, "The policy enjoys broad support" suggests widespread approval.

Common error

Avoid using "broad" when "wide" is more appropriate for describing physical dimensions. While technically correct, "wide" often sounds more natural when referring to things like roads or rivers.

Linguistic Context

The word "broad" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a wide scope, extent, or range, as supported by Ludwig's examples. It can also function as a noun, referring to a wide expanse of water or, less commonly, a woman.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad" is a versatile word predominantly used as an adjective to describe something with a wide scope or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, some noun usages should be approached with caution due to their potential for being offensive. Related phrases such as "wide-ranging" and "extensive" offer similar meanings, and writers should consider context to choose the most appropriate word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide-ranging

Emphasizes the extensive variety or scope covered.

extensive

Highlights the considerable amount or reach.

comprehensive

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness.

inclusive

Focuses on encompassing a wide variety of elements or people.

general

Indicates a lack of specific detail or limitation.

sweeping

Suggests a wide and often dramatic effect or range.

far-reaching

Highlights the extensive impact or consequences.

across-the-board

Implies that something applies equally to all.

widespread

Emphasizes common occurrence or distribution.

blanket

Suggests comprehensive coverage, often without discrimination.

FAQs

How can I use "broad" in a sentence?

You can use "broad" to describe something that is wide in scope or extent. For example, "The museum has a "wide-ranging" collection of artifacts."

What is a good alternative to the word "broad"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extensive", "comprehensive", or "inclusive".

Which is correct: "broad support" or "wide support"?

Both "broad support" and "wide support" are grammatically correct, but "broad support" is more commonly used to describe widespread approval or acceptance.

What's the difference between a "broad" and a "general" approach?

While both terms suggest a lack of specificity, "broad" emphasizes the scope or range, while "general" emphasizes the lack of specific details. A "general" approach lacks specifics; a "broad" approach covers many areas.