broad category

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad category" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a wide or general classification that encompasses various subcategories. For example, "Animals can be divided into a broad category of mammals, birds, and reptiles." Alternative expressions include "general category" and "wide category."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Islamists: a broad category of people.

The New York Times

But "generation rent" is a broad category.

The Guardian - Opinion

These strategies would fall under the broad category of need-blind admissions.

The New York Times

Opioids are a broad category of legal and illegal drugs, ranging from prescription painkillers to heroin.

The Washington Post

Obama has allowed a broad category of "people-to-people" visits to the country.

The Washington Post

However, there's one broad category: "people-to-people" travel, under the educational activities category.

The Washington Post

A solution to a broad category of nuisance suits is examined in this paper.

Harvard University

One broad category includes those occupying the actual volcanic craters or their remnants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Autonomy falls within the broad category of services known as enterprise software.

The New York Times

For lawmakers scrutinizing every possible saving, the broad category of "administrative costs" presents an easy mark.

The New York Times

Spread evenly, the cuts would come to more than 20 percent in each broad category.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "broad category", ensure that you provide sufficient context or examples to clarify the specific items or concepts included within that category. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "broad category" as a substitute for detailed analysis. While it's useful for initial classification, always follow up with specific examples or subcategories to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad category" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It classifies a set of items, concepts, or entities under a wide-ranging grouping. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad category" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a wide-ranging group or classification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to follow its use with specific details to avoid vagueness. Consider related phrases like "general classification" or "inclusive group" for variety. Remember, while the phrase itself is clear, providing sufficient context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide category

Replaces "broad" with the synonym "wide", maintaining the core meaning of an extensive classification.

general classification

Substitutes both "broad" and "category" with synonyms, focusing on the general nature of the grouping.

inclusive group

Emphasizes the encompassing nature of the group, rather than its formal classification.

extensive class

Uses "extensive" and "class" to convey a similar meaning, highlighting the breadth and type of grouping.

large grouping

Focuses on the size of the group being considered.

sweeping classification

Implies a comprehensive and wide-ranging classification.

umbrella term

Indicates a term that covers a variety of more specific items.

overarching group

Suggests a group that is dominant or inclusive of other groups.

comprehensive classification

Highlights the thoroughness of the classification.

encompassing set

Focuses on the inclusive nature of the set or collection.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad category" to classify a wide range of items or concepts under a common umbrella. For example, "'Fruits' is a "broad category" that includes apples, bananas, and oranges".

What is an alternative to saying "broad category"?

Alternatives include "general classification", "wide category", or "inclusive group" depending on the specific context.

How do I avoid being too vague when using the term "broad category"?

Provide specific examples or subcategories to illustrate what the "broad category" encompasses. This adds clarity and avoids overgeneralization.

Is "broad category" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "broad category" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure it's followed by sufficient details to maintain precision and avoid ambiguity. Using alternatives like "comprehensive classification" may be appropriate depending on the context.