broad figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general or approximate estimate, often in contexts involving statistics or financial figures. Example: "The report provided a broad figure for the expected revenue, indicating a range between $1 million and $2 million."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In his review of Peter Guralnick's "Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke" (Nov. 20), John Leland states: "He bet that the future lay in careful racial neutrality, but he bet wrong; while Marvin Gaye cuts a broad figure today, Cooke's voice is absent in today's bedroom jams".

The New York Times

My parents were public school teachers, and we lived in a split-level wood house near Lake Meahagh (pronounced MEE-haw), a manmade pond where my sister and I laced up our figure skates each winter and carved broad figure eights into its big, imperfect surface.

The New York Times

If the AgNO3 is added dropwise to the aqueous PEG solution, the maximum of the absorption band is significantly shifted to 433 nm while the resonance becomes broad (Figure 1 curve B).

Nanoscale Research Letters

RA-afterTEM displayed peaks at similar energies in the C-XANES spectrum to those of the other two samples, although the overall absorption feature was rather broad (Figure 2).

Earth, Planets and Space

A broad figure estimates the number of atheists and agnostics on Earth at 1.1 billion.

Wikipedia

In dorso-ventral specimens the frontal margin of the head is straight and broad (Figure 3A D), but in lateral view (Figure 3F) it appears narrower suggesting the head had an elliptical cross section.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"When you say 90 percent, it looks great," she said, but broad figures can mask localized problems.

The New York Times

To this day, the government publishes only broad figures for industrial workplace deaths — fewer than ten thousand in 2011 — but people are demanding the minor dignity of the names.

The New Yorker

These broad figures spanned the two sides' competing proposals as they went into talks; the final treaty totals will be in-between.

The Economist

Yet that is wrong.Special report Radical birthday thoughts Liberty's great advance Pigs, pay and power Beyond shareholder value Pro-market, not pro-business Give freedom a chance Sources & acknowledgmentsReprintsSuch broad figures disguise the underlying trends.

The Economist

But there are some interesting details behind those broad figures. .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "broad figure", ensure that the context clarifies the level of precision expected. For example, state explicitly that the figure is an estimate or approximation.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "broad figure" as a definitive or exact value. Always indicate that it is an approximation to prevent misunderstandings and maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad figure" functions as a noun phrase, where "broad" modifies the noun "figure". It describes a number or value that is not exact but rather a general or approximate representation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which indicate estimation in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad figure" is a phrase used to indicate an approximate or general estimate, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies that the value is not precise. Alternatives like "general estimate" or "rough calculation" can be used depending on the context. Ludwig's AI ensures that using "broad figure" to imply that a value is precise is incorrect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate value

Highlights that the value is not exact but close to the real value.

general estimate

Focuses on the approximate nature of the figure, emphasizing that it is not precise.

indicative number

Suggests that the figure is representative or suggestive, rather than definitive.

rough calculation

Emphasizes the preliminary and inexact nature of the calculation.

ballpark number

An informal way to indicate an approximate or estimated quantity.

order of magnitude

Refers to an estimation of quantity to the nearest power of ten.

overall statistic

Implies a figure that summarizes a larger set of data.

general idea

Shifts the focus from a specific number to a more conceptual understanding.

high-level number

Implies a figure that is far from the original source.

sweeping generalization

Highlights that the "figure" is not based on precise data, so it might hide several problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad figure" to describe an approximate estimate. For example: "The report provided a broad figure for the project's cost."

What's a good alternative to "broad figure"?

Alternatives include "general estimate", "rough calculation", or "approximate value", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "broad figure"?

It is appropriate when you need to convey an approximate number or value, especially when precise data is unavailable or unnecessary.

Is "broad figure" the same as "precise number"?

No, "broad figure" implies an approximation, while "precise number" suggests an exact value. They are antonyms.