broad powers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad powers" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a wide range of abilities or authority possessed by someone or something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as government, law, or personal abilities. Example: The CEO of the company has been granted broad powers to make decisions on behalf of the company without consulting the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Those broad powers have never been outlined.

The New York Times - Sports

The speaker has broad powers to set the legislative agenda.

The New York Times

Even under that weaker standard, the agency has broad powers to protect public health.

The New York Times

India's rules give officials broad powers to do this.Now both provisions are under attack.

The Economist

But some of these involved narrowing the Bank of Italy's broad powers.

The Economist

Its municipal government, headed by a lord mayor, holds very broad powers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection wields broad powers to detain officials and pursue secretive inquiries.

The New York Times

The legislature has broad powers in policy formulation and monetary appropriation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Zuma had earlier created a commission of inquiry with broad powers to investigate the shooting.

The New York Times

Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi issued a decree November 22 granting himself broad powers above any court.

The New York Times

Under New York State's Martin Act, the attorney general has broad powers in securities enforcement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing legal or official capacities, use "broad powers" to emphasize the comprehensive scope of authority granted to an individual or institution. For instance, "The regulatory agency was granted "broad powers" to oversee financial transactions."

Common error

Avoid using "broad powers" when the authority is limited or specific. Misrepresenting the extent of authority can lead to misunderstandings and legal challenges. Instead, use more precise language that accurately reflects the actual scope of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad powers" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "broad" modifies the noun "powers". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the extent of authority or ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad powers" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies extensive authority or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted in written English. Its frequency is high, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Scientific contexts. When writing, it's crucial to use "broad powers" when the authority is genuinely extensive and avoid exaggerating its scope. Related phrases like "extensive authority" or "sweeping powers" can offer nuanced alternatives. In conclusion, mastering the usage of "broad powers" enhances clarity and precision in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive authority

Replaces "powers" with "authority", emphasizing the legitimate right to exercise control.

sweeping powers

Substitutes "broad" with "sweeping", highlighting the wide-ranging impact of the powers.

wide-ranging authority

Combines "wide-ranging" and "authority" offering a slightly more descriptive alternative.

significant authority

Focuses on the importance and influence of the powers.

considerable authority

Similar to significant authority, highlighting a substantial degree of control.

extensive mandate

Replaces "powers" with "mandate", suitable when referring to delegated authority.

far-reaching powers

Emphasizes the extent to which the powers can influence events or decisions.

substantial powers

Highlights the quantity and impact of the powers.

ample authority

Indicates that there is more than enough authority to complete a task.

comprehensive powers

Suggests the powers cover all aspects of a situation or domain.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad powers" to describe someone or something that has extensive authority or abilities. For example, "The president was granted "broad powers" during the state of emergency."

What's a good synonym for "broad powers"?

Alternatives to "broad powers" include "extensive authority", "sweeping powers", or "wide-ranging authority", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "broad powers" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing legal, governmental, or organizational authority. It clearly conveys the expansive nature of the powers being described.

What is the difference between "broad powers" and "implied powers"?

"Broad powers" refers to powers that are explicitly granted, while "implied powers" refers to powers that are not explicitly stated but are considered necessary to carry out the explicitly granted powers.