broad argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad argument" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a general or overarching argument, as opposed to a specific or narrow one. It can be used in various contexts, such as in academic writing, debates, or discussions. Example: The main purpose of this research paper is to present a broad argument for the implementation of stricter gun control laws, supported by statistical data and expert opinions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Their broad argument couldn't be more accurate or more timely.

The Guardian - Business

Then, after making that broad argument, Obama should sketch out one or two specific responses.

The Guardian

A broad argument coalesces, they suggest, around the topics of race, space, violence and dictatorship.

The Guardian - Books

As for iPhone subscriptions, "I think you could make the broad argument that expectations were way out of whack".

The New York Times - Tech

Now Osborne has re-emerged with his broad argument – one he knows is popular with voters and much of the media – that the UK must "balance its books".

Independent

But he did not endorse Ms. Sullivan's broad argument that federal courts may never hear cases about human rights violations abroad.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Stopping him raises thorny questions involving the First and Second Amendments, and introduces broad arguments over liberty and innovation.

The New York Times

The campaign is instead pursuing women through broad arguments of character, leadership and policy—something similar to the appeal to "security moms" that worked well for George Bush in 2004.

The Economist

These broad arguments do not provide a compelling mechanistic understanding for threshold behaviors.

Environmental Health Perspectives

But the broader argument remains.

The Economist

Amazon's broader argument is disingenuous.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To make a "broad argument" more compelling, consider acknowledging potential counterarguments or limitations. This shows critical thinking and strengthens your overall position.

Common error

Avoid making a "broad argument" so general that it becomes vague or meaningless. Provide specific examples and details to ground your claims and make them more persuasive. Ensure the argument remains focused and relevant to the topic at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it refers to a general or overarching line of reasoning, often setting the stage for more detailed analysis or evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad argument" is a commonly used phrase referring to a general or overarching line of reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure your claims are well-supported and specific enough to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "overarching argument" or "general argument" depending on the desired nuance. Remember, the goal is to introduce the scope and direction of discussion effectively. The phrase appears frequently in news, academic writing, and scientific publications, reinforcing its versatility and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general argument

Replaces "broad" with "general", maintaining the sense of a wide-ranging argument, similarity score is slightly lower because it's less specific.

overarching argument

Substitutes "broad" with "overarching", emphasizing the comprehensive and encompassing nature of the argument.

sweeping argument

Uses "sweeping" instead of "broad", suggesting an argument that covers a large scope or range, it can be seen as a slightly more dramatic.

comprehensive argument

Replaces "broad" with "comprehensive", highlighting the thoroughness and completeness of the argument.

wide-ranging argument

Uses "wide-ranging" instead of "broad", focusing on the extensive scope of the argument.

extensive reasoning

Replaces "argument" with "reasoning" and "broad" with "extensive", shifting the focus slightly to the process of reasoning rather than the argument itself.

general line of reasoning

Replaces "broad argument" with a more descriptive phrase, "general line of reasoning", emphasizing the overall direction of thought.

main contention

Shifts the focus to the central point or assertion, while still implying a larger argument.

primary thesis

This is more academically inclined and can be used in formal writing.

main premise

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the argument.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "broad argument" in a sentence?

Use "broad argument" to introduce a general line of reasoning that will be further supported with specific details. For instance, "He presented a "broad argument" for tax reform, which he then substantiated with economic data."

What are some alternatives to using "broad argument" in academic writing?

In academic contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "overarching thesis", "primary contention", or "general line of reasoning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a risk of making a "broad argument" too vague?

Yes, a "broad argument" can become too vague if it lacks supporting details and specific examples. Always balance the scope of your argument with sufficient evidence to make it persuasive and credible. To prevent this, consider adding specific examples and details.

What's the difference between a "broad argument" and a specific argument?

A "broad argument" presents a general overview or a wide-ranging claim, while a specific argument focuses on particular details or points within a larger context. A specific argument often serves to support a "broad argument" by providing concrete evidence.