broad contour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad contour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general outline or shape that is wide or expansive, often in artistic or design contexts. Example: "The artist focused on the broad contour of the landscape, capturing its sweeping hills and valleys."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's not difficult to come up with the principles or a broad contour of an agreement," Aum told me.

The New Yorker

We adopted feature extraction in multiple scales to detect the broad contour regions.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

It is inspired from sketch paintings: First outlining the broad contour of the curve and then revising local details till the interpolated curve satisfies the required accuracy.

Measurement

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The broad contours seemed to satisfy all parties.

The Economist

Many administrative agencies, not just the E.P.A., operate within broad contours defined by Congress.

The New York Times

The number of Americans listened to and the broad contours of the program, for a start.

The New York Times

But compared with the broad contours of Mr. Clinton's proposals, these were details, though important ones, they said.

The New York Times

The amorphous shock and outrage of a year ago have given way to the broad contours of a movement.

The New Yorker

Eventually, the bank agreed to the broad contours of a settlement that included a guilty plea by the Japanese subsidiary.

The New York Times

Indeed, Wall Street executives are already discussing among themselves what the broad contours of such a settlement might look like.

The New York Times

Firm, broad contours in brown ink and white highlights make it look like a scene carved in high relief.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad contour" when you want to describe the general shape or outline of something without focusing on specific details. It's suitable for describing landscapes, agreements, or plans.

Common error

Avoid using "broad contour" in highly technical contexts where precise measurements or specifications are required. Opt for more specific terms like "parameter" or "dimension" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad contour" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "broad", indicating width or generality, with the noun "contour", referring to an outline or shape. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing agreements, plans, and physical shapes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad contour" is a phrase used to describe the general shape or outline of something, typically without focusing on precise details. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears most frequently in science and news contexts, lending itself to formal, descriptive writing. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase provides a useful way to communicate the overall form or structure of a subject. To enhance clarity, consider using more specific language if detailed descriptions are needed. Remember, while grammatically correct, consider context-appropriate alternatives such as "general outline" or "basic form".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general outline

Emphasizes the overall structure without specific details.

wide outline

Highlights the expansive nature of the boundary.

rough shape

Highlights the initial, imprecise nature of the form.

expansive shape

Underscores the inclusive or comprehensive quality of the form.

basic form

Focuses on the fundamental structure or shape.

overall pattern

Suggests a recurring arrangement or design.

sweeping form

Conveys a sense of grandeur and scale in the outline.

comprehensive layout

Emphasizes the extensive and inclusive nature of the spatial arrangement.

major silhouette

Focuses on the prominent and defined shape.

large configuration

Highlights the significant scale and arrangement.

FAQs

What does "broad contour" mean?

"Broad contour" refers to the general shape or outline of something, without focusing on specific details. It implies a wide or expansive boundary.

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

You can use "broad contour" to describe the general shape of a landscape, such as, "The artist captured the "broad contour" of the mountain range."

What are some alternatives to "broad contour"?

Alternatives to "broad contour" include "general outline", "rough shape", or "basic form", depending on the context.

Is "broad contour" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "broad contour" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing the overall shape or plan in a general sense. However, ensure it fits the specific context and isn't overly vague.