broad gauge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad gauge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of railways to refer to a railway track that is wider than the standard gauge. Example: "The new railway line will be built using broad gauge to accommodate larger trains and increase capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The broad gauge made possible high speeds that were a great stimulus to railway progress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His introduction of the broad-gauge railway (rails 7 feet [2 metres] apart) provoked the famous "battle of the gauges". The broad gauge made possible high speeds that were a great stimulus to railway progress.

Britannica

The train system is made mainly of broad-gauge track (5 ft/2 m) but includes a variety of rail gauges, which makes frequent transshipment necessary; the country is in the process of converting all tracks to broad gauge.

The Washington Post

The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index, a broad gauge of market activity, lost 0.6 percent at the start of trading.

The New York Times

But the Russell 2000 index, a broad gauge of smaller stocks, reached a new high on April 5, surpassing the record it set in March 2000.

The New York Times

These ratings will tell investors whether to emphasize or de-emphasize their holdings in the industry, relative to a broad gauge like the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The bulk of my money therefore went into broad-gauge stock index funds".

The New York Times - Books

But Steve never understood the importance of Pete's broad-gauge nature".

The New Yorker

Let's stipulate: Lloyd Blankfein and Jamie Dimon are enlightened, broad-gauge chief executive officers, among the finest in the world.

The New York Times

The book also includes a broad-gauge analysis of all major cases of large-scale violence in Africa since decolonization.

Cornell University

For a broad-gauge company, MaxMara has been far more adventurous in recent seasons than maybe has been acknowledged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about railways, specify the exact measurement of the "broad gauge" if possible, as the term can refer to different widths in different regions.

Common error

Avoid using "broad gauge" and "standard gauge" interchangeably. "Broad gauge" refers to a track wider than the standard 4 ft 8 1/2 in (1435 mm). Using the wrong term can lead to technical inaccuracies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad gauge" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a specific type of railway track characterized by its width. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to refer to railway tracks wider than the standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad gauge" is a noun phrase referring to a railway track with a width greater than the standard gauge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While primarily found in technical and historical contexts related to railways, its register is generally neutral to formal. When using this term, especially in technical writing, it's crucial to specify the exact measurements to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful not to confuse it with "standard gauge", and consider using synonyms like "wide gauge railway" for variety. The phrase is most commonly encountered in Wiki articles and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide gauge railway

This alternative directly replaces "broad" with "wide", maintaining the core meaning related to railway tracks.

expanded track gauge

"Expanded" implies an increase in width, similar to "broad", and "track" specifies the context.

large track spacing

Focuses on the result of a broad gauge: increased spacing between the tracks.

Brunel gauge railway

Specifically references the historical broad gauge championed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

non-standard railway gauge

Highlights that the gauge is different from the most common or standard gauge.

oversized railway track

"Oversized" suggests a larger than normal size for railway tracks.

wide-track railway system

Rephrases the concept by emphasizing the system using the wider track.

unconventional track width

Emphasizes the deviation from conventional track widths.

wider railway lines

Focuses on the physical characteristic of the railway lines being wider.

longitudinal spacing of tracks

Emphasizes the technical aspect of the distance between tracks.

FAQs

How is "broad gauge" used in railway contexts?

"Broad gauge" refers to a railway track gauge wider than the standard gauge. It's often used in specific regions or historical contexts, like the railways designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

What are some alternatives to "broad gauge" when describing railway tracks?

You can use alternatives like "wide gauge railway", "expanded track gauge", or "large track spacing" depending on the desired level of detail.

Is it correct to use "broad gauge" in a non-railway context?

While primarily used in the context of railways, "broad gauge" can metaphorically refer to a wide or comprehensive scope in other fields. However, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion.

What is the difference between "broad gauge" and "standard gauge"?

"Broad gauge" refers to a railway track width that is wider than the "standard gauge". The standard gauge is the most commonly used track width globally, while "broad gauge" systems are less common.