broad lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to general or overarching concepts, ideas, or categories without going into specific details. Example: "The report outlines the broad lines of our strategy for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HOEPPNER: On broad lines, yes.

Yale University

The broad lines of his life are well known.

The New York Times - Arts

We have assembled data for Seyfert 2 galaxies which have polarized broad lines.

Advances in Space Research

And from that, the broad lines of their civilization can only be deduced.

The New York Times - Arts

Burrows says the picture has such broad lines nobody could take it at face value.

The New Yorker

"Lacking a patronage system, like Europe's, American music has developed along broad lines," he said.

The New York Times

Scientists present their birthrate graphs and explain the broad lines of French public policy.

The Guardian

As the book's title suggests, we get not portraits but images, not fine brush strokes but broad lines.

The New York Times - Books

It has not been released to parliament but follows along broad lines set out by David Cameron.

The Guardian

Instead, new programmes have mostly been drawn along broad lines, the better to maintain the political support of farmers.

The Economist

The route will follow the same broad lines as in 1992, but the details, necessarily, will be different.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad lines" to describe the overall structure or plan, reserving detailed specifics for later discussion. This approach helps in presenting a clear overview before diving into complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "broad lines" when you're already discussing specific details. "Broad lines" should precede the specifics to provide context, not replace them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad lines" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "along broad lines", "in broad lines"). It serves to denote the general or overarching aspects of a subject, plan, or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broad lines" is a versatile term used to describe the general or overarching aspects of a topic, plan, or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts including news, science, and academia. When writing, leverage the phrase to provide an initial framework, but always complement it with specific details to enhance clarity. Keep in mind alternatives such as "general outlines" or "main features" for a nuanced expression. Overall, "broad lines" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general outlines

Focuses on the overall shape or structure without specific details.

main features

Highlights the most important aspects or characteristics.

general principles

Emphasizes the basic rules or guidelines.

basic framework

Refers to the fundamental structure or system.

key aspects

Highlights the significant elements or components.

essential elements

Focuses on the necessary parts or components.

overall scheme

Refers to the complete and general plan.

basic structure

Emphasizes the fundamental arrangement or organization.

general scope

Focuses on the extent or range of something.

main contours

Highlights the shape or outline, especially in a general way.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad lines" to refer to general principles or outlines. For example, "The plan follows the "broad lines" of the previous strategy, with some key modifications."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "broad lines"?

Similar phrases include "general outlines", "main features", or "basic framework". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "broad lines" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to provide an overview or summary without going into detail. It's common in reports, academic papers, and business proposals.

What's the difference between "broad lines" and "specific details"?

"Broad lines" refer to the overall structure or general principles, while "specific details" are the individual components or precise information. Use "broad lines" to introduce the concept and "specific details" to elaborate on it.