broad erudition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad erudition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a wide-ranging and deep knowledge or learning in various subjects. Example: "Her broad erudition in literature and philosophy made her an exceptional candidate for the teaching position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Those performances, which stand out even today for the young president's dry wit and broad erudition, were especially important to Kennedy because voters had questions about his relative inexperience.

The New York Times

A notable memoirist and critic of consistent sensitivity and broad erudition turns to fiction in this novel whose protagonist is the single daughter of a single parent, living in the Midwest some 25 years in the future; cracking the secrets of her birth sends her questing for the meaning of her life.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Al-Ṭūsī was a man of exceptionally wide erudition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They rejected the vague mysticism of Russian Symbolism and demanded clarity and concreteness of representation and precision of form and meaning combined with a broad-ranging erudition (encompassing classical antiquity and European history, especially that relating to culture and including art and religion).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Codifying their own poetic practice, Acmeists demanded concrete representation and precise form and meaning combined with a broad-ranging erudition (Classical antiquity, European history and culture, including art and religion).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike most commentators, who maintain a detached, lofty tone, O'Faolain, placed herself at the centre of things, a high-risk strategy that worked because of her broad range of erudition, worn lightly, her courage and a truthfulness that sometimes bordered on the self-destructive.

The Guardian - Books

Responding to Davidson's more conservative approach to reading sources into the text,[2] Stroumsa adds, "Maimonides' philosophical erudition was no doubt far broader than would seem to be the case only on the basis of his explicit references.

SEP

The erudition!

The New York Times

They escape your erudition".

The New Yorker

You need erudition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her erudition is never dull.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad erudition" when you want to emphasize not only deep knowledge but also a wide range of subjects known by someone. This makes it suitable in academic or professional settings where comprehensive understanding is valued.

Common error

While "broad erudition" is a powerful phrase, it can sound pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "extensive knowledge" or "well-informed" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad erudition" functions as a noun phrase, where "broad" modifies the noun "erudition". It describes the quality or characteristic of having extensive knowledge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad erudition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe extensive and wide-ranging knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though its formality makes it more suitable for academic or professional contexts rather than casual conversation. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "extensive knowledge", it effectively conveys respect for intellectual depth and breadth. When aiming for precise and formal language, "broad erudition" serves well to highlight someone's comprehensive understanding across various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive knowledge

Focuses more on the breadth of information possessed rather than the depth of learning.

wide-ranging scholarship

Emphasizes the academic nature and scope of the learning.

comprehensive learning

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the knowledge acquired.

vast learning

Underscores the immense quantity of knowledge.

profound scholarship

Highlights the depth and insight of the academic study.

deep understanding

Focuses on the level of comprehension achieved.

encyclopedic knowledge

Suggests a knowledge base that covers a wide array of subjects, similar to an encyclopedia.

immense learning

Emphasizes the scale and amount of acquired knowledge.

remarkable learning

Highlights the unusual or impressive nature of the knowledge.

considerable knowledge

Highlights the significant amount of the knowledge

FAQs

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

You can use "broad erudition" to describe someone with extensive knowledge across many subjects. For example: "Her broad erudition in history and literature made her an excellent professor."

What is a simpler alternative to "broad erudition"?

Alternatives to "broad erudition" include "extensive knowledge", "vast learning", or "wide-ranging scholarship". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "broad erudition" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "broad erudition" is not as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "extensive knowledge". It is more suited for formal or academic writing.

What distinguishes "broad erudition" from "deep knowledge"?

"Broad erudition" implies a wide range of knowledge across various subjects, while "deep knowledge" suggests extensive understanding within a specific area. One is about breadth, and the other is about depth.