broad brushstrokes

USAGE SUMMARY

'broad brushstrokes' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to talk about a high-level overview of a particular topic, with minimal detail. For example, "This report provides a broad brushstrokes overview of the current market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fahmy enjoys making broad brushstrokes.

Independent

You can't ask an actor to play broad brushstrokes".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Held favored thick, broad brushstrokes that resembled brilliantly colored slabs of mortar.

The New York Times - Arts

It transferred to the West End, where its broad brushstrokes worked arguably even better.

Independent

So I'm going to describe the historical content in very broad brushstrokes.

Princeton University

Clean undecorated tailoring had been replaced with what looked like broad brushstrokes on canvas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The heart of this novel is not broad brushstrokes but minutiae.

The Guardian - Books

"The one thing you can't do is condense it and say we'll do broad brushstrokes.

The Guardian - Books

John Grisham is fond of numbers, mostly big ones - big numbers, broad brushstrokes and tight plotting.

The Guardian - Books

Stornoway do telling details better than broad brushstrokes, which is a limitation.

The Guardian - Music

Her broad brushstrokes and their sudden shifts function independently of her subjects.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad brushstrokes" in contexts where simplifying complex information is key, such as explaining concepts to a non-expert audience or setting the stage for a more detailed analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "broad brushstrokes" when you need to be precise or nuanced. It is not suitable for situations requiring detailed analysis or in contexts where accuracy is paramount. Remember, "broad brushstrokes" are intended for simplification, not comprehensive coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad brushstrokes" functions as a noun phrase, often used adverbially to describe the manner in which something is depicted or explained. It signifies a simplified, high-level approach, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad brushstrokes" is a commonly used noun phrase that functions to describe a simplified or generalized approach to presenting information. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence across various reputable sources, especially in News & Media. While useful for overviews, it's important to avoid using "broad brushstrokes" when detail and precision are required. Related alternatives include "general terms" and "overall picture", offering similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. In essence, mastering the use of "broad brushstrokes" enhances clarity and efficiency in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad strokes

A shortened version of the original phrase, losing some of its vividness.

general terms

Focuses on the lack of specificity rather than the method of description.

general overview

A more explicit and less metaphorical way of expressing the same concept.

overall picture

Highlights the comprehensive view being presented, rather than the simplified approach.

rough outline

Emphasizes the preliminary and incomplete nature of the description.

the big picture

Similar to overall picture, but slightly more informal.

sweeping generalizations

Carries a negative connotation, implying oversimplification and potential inaccuracy.

high-level view

Suitable for professional contexts, indicating a focus on strategic overview rather than granular details.

basic framework

Highlights the structural aspect of the overview.

in a nutshell

Focuses on brevity and conciseness.

FAQs

How can I use "broad brushstrokes" in a sentence?

You can use "broad brushstrokes" to describe providing a general overview, for example: "The presentation outlined the project in "broad brushstrokes", focusing on key objectives."

What is an alternative to using "broad brushstrokes"?

Alternatives include "general terms", "overall picture", or "rough outline", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "broad brushstrokes"?

It's appropriate when you need to present a simplified overview of a complex topic, introduce a subject without going into exhaustive detail, or summarize key points efficiently.

What does it mean to paint something in "broad brushstrokes"?

To paint something in "broad brushstrokes" means to describe it in general terms, without getting into the specifics. It implies a focus on the overall impression rather than precise details, similar to providing a "general overview".