broad directives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad directives" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to general guidelines or instructions that are not overly specific and allow for flexibility in interpretation or implementation. Example: "The management issued broad directives to ensure that all departments align with the company's new strategic goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The broad directives are contained in a classified 29-page document, "Guidance and Terms of Reference for the 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review".

The New York Times

But we also found 8,548 unfilled mid-level positions, defined as two-10 years of engineering experience, and able to act on broad directives.

TechCrunch

Himmler adopted the doctrine of Auftragstaktik ("mission command"), whereby orders were given as broad directives, with authority delegated downward to the appropriate level to carry them out in a timely and efficient manner.

Wikipedia

For instance, while it is acknowledged that normative guidelines are meant to provide broad directives as opposed to prescription of specific actions, we have shown that there are disparities among guidelines regarding the responsibilities of researchers to participants and the community.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In February , 2002 President Bush issued a broad directive that required American troops to treat detainees "humanely," in a manner consistent with the Geneva Conventions, within the limits of "military necessity".

The New Yorker

In 1992, in what would turn out to be the last year of the first Bush administration, Wolfowitz, then under secretary for policy in Cheney's Defense Department, presided over the writing of a new "Defense Planning Guidance," a broad directive to military leaders on what to prepare for.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gay rights advocates, however, applauded Mr. Paterson, saying the broad directive would make it clear that gay couples wed in other states were entitled to all of the benefits of marriage in New York and relieve them of the burden of challenging or suing individual agencies.

The New York Times

More than a decade ago, as undersecretary of defense for policy in the first Bush administration, Mr. Wolfowitz was charged by Dick Cheney, then defense secretary, with drafting a new "Defense Planning Guidance," a broad directive that was intended to govern policy in a second Bush term.

The New York Times - Arts

Only a small fraction would agree to broader directives.

The New York Times

These cases of abuse were blamed on low-ranking soldiers–"a few bad apples"–and not on the broader directives from the Pentagon that created the climate of corruption.

Forbes

The original post about Oakland's fire existed for only a day, but nearly a week later, another emerged with broader directives.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad directives", ensure the context provides sufficient room for interpretation and adaptation at lower levels. Avoid pairing it with scenarios requiring strict, inflexible adherence.

Common error

Avoid negating the generality of "broad directives" by immediately following them with highly specific requirements or instructions. This creates a contradiction and reduces the effectiveness of delegating authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad directives" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "broad" modifies the noun "directives". As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase commonly refers to general instructions or guiding principles that are not highly specific.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broad directives" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that refers to general guidelines or instructions. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in news, science, and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate when conveying general guidance where flexibility is needed. Related phrases include "general guidelines" and "wide-ranging instructions", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. When writing, ensure the context supports the generality implied by "broad directives" to avoid contradictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general guidelines

Focuses on the guiding aspect, implying less strict instructions.

wide-ranging instructions

Emphasizes the scope and extent of the instructions.

overarching principles

Highlights the fundamental nature of the directives as guiding principles.

comprehensive mandates

Stresses the inclusive and mandatory aspect of the directions.

sweeping policies

Indicates extensive and impactful policy decisions.

general orders

Highlights the hierarchical and mandatory character.

high-level guidance

Focuses on the authoritative and strategic nature of the guidance.

inclusive regulations

Emphasizes the comprehensive and regulatory nature.

strategic direction

Suggests a focus on overall strategy and goals.

macro-level instructions

Indicates instructions given from a higher-level perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad directives" to describe general instructions or guidelines, for example: "The company issued "broad directives" for the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "broad directives"?

Some alternatives to "broad directives" include "general guidelines", "wide-ranging instructions", or "overarching principles".

Are "broad directives" the same as specific instructions?

No, "broad directives" are not the same as specific instructions. "Broad directives" provide general guidance, while specific instructions offer detailed steps for execution.

In what context is it appropriate to use "broad directives"?

It is appropriate to use "broad directives" in contexts where flexibility and adaptability are required, and where lower-level decision-making is encouraged within the framework of the general guidance.