broad language

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad language" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to language that is very general or applicable to a wide range of situations or contexts. For example, you could say, "The new law was written in very broad language, so it could encompass a variety of different scenarios."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That broad language raised serious free speech issues.

The New York Times

When politicians talk about religious freedom, broad language often conceals narrower interests.

The New Yorker

That broad language hints at why Democrats, and some Republicans, worry about the consequences.

The New York Times

Quoting broad language from her original decision, she suggested that it covered the newer case, too.

The New York Times

The agency follows with regulations containing broad language, open-ended phrases, ambiguous standards and the like.

The Washington Post

But they deliberately used broad language that goes beyond psychological or physical disability.

The Washington Post

Some recent investment treaties affirm the state's right to regulate and clarify broad language.

The Washington Post

But the rest of the order's broad language vastly expands the groups prioritized for deportation.

The Washington Post

This pill also had similar broad language about defining a group.

The New York Times

Congress used broad language in §602(a)(1); it did so to achieve a broad objective.

Harvard University

This holding rests on a misconstruction of history and of the Fourth Amendment's purposely broad language.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad language" in legal or policy writing, be sure to define key terms clearly to avoid unintended interpretations or loopholes.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "broad language" automatically implies flexibility. It can also lead to ambiguity and legal challenges if not carefully considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad language" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "broad" modifies the noun "language". It describes the nature or characteristic of the language used, indicating its scope and generality, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad language" is commonly used to describe wording that is general and encompasses a wide range of scenarios. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. While its inclusiveness can be beneficial, the term also suggests potential for misinterpretation and legal challenges if not clearly defined. When employing "broad language", writers should aim for a balance between comprehensiveness and clarity to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "general terminology" or "vague wording" offer nuanced ways to express the concept, and writers should choose the phrase that best fits the context. Ludwig confirms the wide acceptance and utility of this phrase in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general terminology

Emphasizes the generality of the terms used.

unspecific terms

Underlines the absence of precise definitions.

vague wording

Highlights the lack of specificity in the language.

wide-ranging vocabulary

Highlights the extensive range of the vocabulary used.

inclusive phrasing

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the wording.

non-specific wording

Emphasizes that the wording lacks particularity.

sweeping terms

Stresses the wide-ranging nature of the terms.

all-encompassing terminology

Focuses on the all-inclusive nature of the terminology.

overarching lexicon

Indicates a vocabulary that covers a wide scope.

generic phrasing

Indicates phrasing that is typical and not unique.

FAQs

How is "broad language" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "broad language" is often used to create laws or regulations that can apply to a wide range of situations. However, this can also lead to legal challenges if the language is too vague or undefined.

What are some synonyms for "broad language"?

Alternatives to "broad language" include "general terminology", "vague wording", or "inclusive phrasing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the potential downside of using "broad language" in contracts?

Using "broad language" in contracts can lead to disputes over interpretation. It's important to balance comprehensiveness with clarity to ensure all parties understand their obligations.

How can I ensure "broad language" is interpreted correctly?

To ensure "broad language" is interpreted correctly, provide clear definitions of key terms and include examples to illustrate the intended scope of the language. This can help prevent misunderstandings and legal challenges.