broad comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad comparison" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the practice of comparing two or more different things in order to contrast and analyze their similarities and differences. For example: "This essay will make a broad comparison between the two different approaches to the same problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A broad comparison of this sort also brings out the artistic ends to which the new engineering means were applied.

Britannica

The distributed model intercomparison project (DMIP) was formulated as a broad comparison of many distributed models amongst themselves and to a lumped model used for operational river forecasting in the US.

Journal of Hydrology

But Professor Timothy Gutowski of MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, who led the analysis, explains that such a broad comparison of energy efficiency is an essential first step toward optimizing these newer manufacturing methods as they gear up for ever-larger production.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

SIMON PRESTON, an organist with a wit as dry as his talent is prodigious, had just concluded a solo concert in Yale University's Woolsey Hall last November when he was asked to draw a broad comparison between the hall's monumental Newberry Memorial Organ -- on which he had rendered Bach, Mozart, Liszt and Olivier Messiaen to sustained applause -- and the other great organs he had played.

The New York Times

We chose to include a broad comparison group in order to allow for basic comparisons to be made for better characterization of the BD subgroup.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Such discrepancies are not easily detected in a broad comparison but are evident in a pixel-by-pixel comparison, as demonstrated in this study.

Carbon Balance and Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The rankings method is useful for broad comparisons, but is not totally reliable.

The Guardian - Sport

The models ask different questions using different data, but several broad comparisons seem useful.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Precise rankings between countries are not possible, but broad comparisons are, and changes over time can be discerned.

The Economist

The diversity of landscapes in the west limits the distribution of avian piscivore species, complicating broad comparisons across the region.

Science of The Total Environment

Broad comparisons across the landscapes were used to determine species specific response to increasing levels of urbanisation.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad comparison", clarify the criteria and scope of the comparison to avoid ambiguity. Providing context helps the reader understand the parameters of your analysis.

Common error

Avoid making overly generalized claims based on a "broad comparison" without providing specific examples or data to support your conclusions. Ensure your comparison is grounded in evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad comparison" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the act of comparing different entities on a general level. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad comparison" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a general analysis of similarities and differences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. To enhance clarity, always specify the criteria and scope of the comparison. While alternatives like "general comparison" or "overall comparison" exist, the essence remains the same: presenting a high-level overview without excessive detail. By avoiding overgeneralization and grounding comparisons in evidence, you can effectively use "broad comparison" to introduce and contextualize your analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general comparison

Replaces "broad" with "general", indicating a less detailed or specific comparison.

overall comparison

Substitutes "broad" with "overall", suggesting a comprehensive but possibly less granular comparison.

wide-ranging comparison

Uses "wide-ranging" instead of "broad", emphasizing the scope of the comparison.

comprehensive assessment

Replaces "comparison" with "assessment", shifting the focus to a more evaluative approach.

extensive evaluation

Similar to comprehensive assessment, but emphasizes the thoroughness of the evaluation.

general overview

Focuses on providing a summary rather than a direct comparison.

high-level analysis

Highlights the summary nature of the analysis, suitable when details are not needed.

sweeping overview

Suggests a comprehensive but less detailed examination.

holistic analysis

Implies considering all aspects, not necessarily comparative.

cursory examination

Indicates a quick and superficial look.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad comparison" to introduce an analysis that examines similarities and differences across multiple subjects. For example, "A "broad comparison" of the healthcare systems in Canada and the US reveals significant differences in access and cost".

What is a good alternative to "broad comparison"?

Alternatives to "broad comparison" include "general comparison", "overall comparison", or "wide-ranging comparison", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "broad comparison"?

"Broad comparison" is appropriate when you want to highlight the main similarities and differences between subjects without delving into excessive detail. It's useful for setting the stage for more detailed analyses.

What's the difference between "broad comparison" and "detailed comparison"?

A "broad comparison" offers a general overview of similarities and differences, while a "detailed comparison" examines specific aspects and nuances. The choice depends on the level of analysis required.