broad concept

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad concept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe a general idea or category that is made up of more specific ideas or items. For example, "The broad concept of 'sustainability' encapsulates a variety of practices, from waste reduction to energy efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Innovation is a broad concept.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a very broad concept, but it's inclusionary".

The New York Times

"Ethnicity is a broad concept that encompasses both genetics and culture," Dr. Anand said.

The New York Times - Science

And despite the broad concept and performances, the film works best when it nails individual moments.

The Guardian - Film

Education as a broad concept has been lost in favour of training in "the basics".

The Guardian

Vince Cable's business department suggests this is all bound up in a broad concept of "flexibility".

The Guardian - Business

We wanted our new name to inspire generosity and encompass the broad concept of philanthropy.

The Guardian

And citizenship is a broad concept that includes behavior and rituals.

The New Yorker

In the US, the sandwich is a broad concept, taking in wraps, burgers and bagels, to name a few.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Discussions are going very well: the broad concept of partnership we and [BBC] Worldwide think has potential, value and synergy," he said.

The Guardian

The broad concept of Babbittry -- the idea that the average American lives in a benighted, blinkered spiritual state -- has been both popular and durable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad concept", ensure the subsequent explanation clarifies the specific elements or sub-concepts it encompasses. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "broad concept" without providing specific examples or details. This can lead to vagueness and weaken your argument. Be sure to provide concrete illustrations and explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad concept" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "broad" modifies the noun "concept". It serves to introduce a general or wide-ranging idea that needs further clarification or specification, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad concept" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a general or wide-ranging idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and invites further clarification. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples and details to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Related phrases include "general idea" and "overarching theme". Overall, "broad concept" is a useful phrase for initiating discussions and analyses across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general idea

Replaces "concept" with a more common synonym, focusing on the generality of the idea.

wide-ranging notion

Substitutes both "broad" and "concept" with synonyms, emphasizing the extensive scope of the idea.

overarching theme

Focuses on the idea as a central, unifying element.

comprehensive framework

Emphasizes the structured and all-inclusive nature of the concept.

inclusive principle

Highlights the concept's ability to encompass various elements.

sweeping generalization

Focuses on the extent of the concept, which might risk in oversimplification.

extensive understanding

Shifts the focus to the knowledge and comprehension aspect of the concept.

holistic view

Emphasizes a perspective that considers the whole and interconnectedness of elements within the concept.

umbrella term

Indicates a term that covers a wide range of related items or ideas.

general classification

Replaces the idea with a broader classification term.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad concept" to introduce a wide-ranging idea or category. For example, "Sustainability is a "broad concept" that includes various practices such as reducing waste and conserving energy".

What are some alternatives to "broad concept"?

Alternatives to "broad concept" include "general idea", "overarching theme", or "comprehensive framework", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is the phrase "broad concept" most appropriate?

The phrase "broad concept" is appropriate in academic, scientific, and professional contexts when introducing or discussing a wide-ranging topic that encompasses many sub-topics or specific instances.

Is it correct to say "broader concept" instead of "broad concept"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "broader concept" typically implies a comparison to a narrower concept, while "broad concept" simply describes a general idea without necessarily implying a comparison.