broad idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad idea" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a general or overarching concept or theme within a sentence. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in informative or persuasive writing, storytelling, or academic writing. Here is an example of using "broad idea" in a sentence: "The broad idea behind the new education reform is to promote critical thinking skills in students rather than solely focusing on memorization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twenty-two economists and academics signed an open letter in support of the broad idea.

The Economist

That broad idea could go in many directions, including no clear direction at all.

The New York Times - Arts

The broad idea was to bring together a lot of disparate work on happiness.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"He was simply underscoring the broad idea that you need good monetary, fiscal and regulatory policies to grow".

The New York Times

At least six in 10 independents and moderates also back the broad idea of a deal with Iran.

The Washington Post

The broad idea is to fill a void in cancer drug development by combining Anderson's research brainpower and newly available technologies with entrepreneurial tactics.

The New York Times

"We went in with a broad idea of what we hoped it would be, but we always allowed ourselves to be open to new possibilities," said Bill Ross.

The New York Times

If Forza Italia can put flesh on its broad idea to get public and private providers jointly to offer an improved health service, so much the better.

The Economist

"The 70s in so many ways were far more dangerous, far more edgy, far more open to a broad idea of gender than today.

The Guardian - Music

"The Razzies are totally out of touch with critical sentiment outside of a really broad idea of what's liked or not.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Thomopoulos hatched the broad idea for the series in 1997 after watching a DVD of "I, Claudius," the 1970's British television drama about ancient Rome.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad idea", ensure that you follow up with specific details or examples to clarify the concept for your audience. A "broad idea" often serves as an introduction to a more detailed discussion.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the "broad idea" without providing sufficient context or supporting evidence. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation by the reader. Ensure you narrow down the scope of the subject you are trying to explain for more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad idea" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a general concept or theme. It signals that the speaker or writer will elaborate on a more general notion before providing specific details or examples. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which states it as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to introduce a general concept or theme. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its role in various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that while versatile, it's essential to support the "broad idea" with sufficient context and detail to avoid overgeneralization. The phrase sees common usage in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". Alternatives like "general concept" or "overarching theme" can be considered for nuanced expression, but "broad idea" remains a reliable choice for initiating discussions across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general concept

Focuses on the conceptual aspect, emphasizing the generality of the idea.

overarching theme

Highlights the thematic and comprehensive nature of the idea.

basic notion

Emphasizes the fundamental and elementary aspect of the idea.

general understanding

Focuses on the comprehension and broad acceptance of the idea.

rough outline

Highlights the preliminary and unstructured nature of the idea.

core principle

Emphasizes the foundational and guiding aspect of the idea.

main theme

Highlights the central and recurring element of the idea.

underlying concept

Focuses on the fundamental and less obvious aspect of the idea.

general framework

Emphasizes the structured and encompassing nature of the idea.

overall picture

Highlights the comprehensive and holistic view of the idea.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "broad idea" in a sentence?

Start with the "broad idea" to introduce a topic, then follow up with specific details, examples, or supporting arguments to provide clarity and context. For instance, "The "broad idea" is to improve education; this will be achieved through updated curricula and teacher training".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "broad idea"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "general concept", "overarching theme", or "basic notion" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it appropriate to use "broad idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "broad idea" is suitable for formal writing, especially when introducing a general concept before delving into specifics. However, ensure that your subsequent discussion provides adequate detail and analysis to support the "broad idea".

What's the difference between "broad idea" and "specific plan"?

"Broad idea" refers to a general concept or theme, while "specific plan" refers to a detailed strategy with concrete steps. A "broad idea" sets the stage for the specifics that will follow in the "specific plan".