broad masses

USAGE SUMMARY

'broad masses' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to describe a very large group of people or things. For example, "The plan received support from the broad masses of the people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"This music is listened to by the broad masses," he said of opera.

The New Yorker

(The broad masses went too, as empires, steamships and railways made travel cheaper and easier).

The Economist

The broad masses of the population, it maintained, were still loyal to the crown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Since the movie is a mass art form, aimed at the broad masses, we believe that viewers have a right to give this prize," she added.

The Guardian - Film

One group was the broad masses: 400 randomly selected people 18 years or older and roughly representative of the adult population by income, region, race, and age.

The New Yorker

But he criticized NATO and officially endorsed the protests, saying that the "broad masses" should carry out their demonstrations "in good order and in accordance with the law".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

No turning back after the blueprint becomes finalized from a broad mass of initial potential.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the broad mass of 50 million people remain among the poorest in the world.

The New York Times

The "Arab street" is the broad mass of public opinion, which is largely passive and nonviolent.

The New York Times

What the Labour movement is about is a broad mass of people actively engaged in a democratic process".

The Guardian - Film

We need to start showing we understand the instincts, fears, hopes and emotions of the broad mass of British people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad masses" when you want to emphasize the collective will or impact of a large, undifferentiated group of people.

Common error

Avoid using "broad masses" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terminology might be preferred, such as "general public" or "majority of the population".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad masses" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a large, general group of people, often in the context of political, social, or cultural discussions, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad masses" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a large segment of the population. According to Ludwig, it is commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating its use in describing social, political, and cultural phenomena. While "broad masses" is generally neutral in register, it is advisable to consider more precise alternatives like "general public" or "majority of the population" in highly formal or academic settings. In summary, use "broad masses" when you aim to emphasize the collective role or impact of a large, undifferentiated group, keeping in mind the context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The people

Simple term that refers to the population as a whole.

General public

Refers to the overall population without specific distinctions.

Mass public

Stresses the collective and undifferentiated nature of the public.

General populace

Emphasizes the common people within a population.

Common people

Focuses on the ordinary and less privileged members of society.

The majority

Indicates a numerical dominance within a group or population.

Average citizens

Highlights the ordinary status and typical representation of the people.

Rank and file

Emphasizes the ordinary members of an organization or group, especially in military or labor contexts.

Grassroots

Highlights the ordinary people who form the foundation of a movement or organization.

The electorate

Refers specifically to the body of people entitled to vote in an election.

FAQs

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

Use "broad masses" to refer to a large segment of the population, often when discussing social movements, political opinions, or cultural trends. For example, "The policy change was unpopular with the "general public"/broad masses".

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

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "general public", "common people", or "general populace". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is the term "broad masses" considered formal or informal?

The term "broad masses" leans toward a neutral register but can sometimes carry a slightly political or sociological connotation. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

What's the difference between "broad masses" and "the elite"?

"Broad masses" refers to the majority of the population, often those without significant power or privilege, whereas "the elite" refers to a small group of powerful or wealthy individuals. They represent opposite ends of a social spectrum.