broad question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is general or encompasses a wide range of topics or issues. Example: "The professor posed a broad question about the implications of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is rather a broad question I know.

The New York Times - Food

It was the broad question of slavery he was discussing.

The New York Times - Books

"No reporter had ever asked a presidential candidate that kind of personal, sexual, broad question".

The New Yorker

It is uncertain, however, that the Supreme Court will end up deciding that broad question.

The New York Times

The case revolves around the broad question of which country's laws have jurisdiction over content on the Internet.

The New York Times - Tech

The prime minister was even given a nice broad question about the government's "commitment to deliver economic security for Australians".

The Guardian - Business

There were multiple opportunities, including at the end, when Lehrer, for all his flaws as a moderator, asked a clear but broad question about the role of government.

The New Yorker

That is not many studies if your goal is to answer a broad question about the efficacy of antidepressants as a class.

The New York Times - Health

That's the broad question animating "Strings Attached: Untangling the Ethics of Incentives" (Russell Sage Foundation and Princeton) by Ruth W. Grant.

The New York Times

On one level, JPMorgan raises the broad question of whether any of the big, sprawling, systemically important banks can truly be managed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was always interested in broad questions about science.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "broad question", ensure that the subsequent discussion or answer addresses the full scope implied by the question. Avoid narrowing the focus without acknowledging the broader context initially presented.

Common error

Avoid using a "broad question" as a starting point if you suspect the audience lacks foundational knowledge. Instead, break down the topic into smaller, more manageable inquiries to build understanding progressively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad question" functions as a noun phrase where "broad" modifies the noun "question". It characterizes the nature of the question being posed. Ludwig examples show it's used to introduce general inquiries and open discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad question" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an inquiry that covers a wide range of topics. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure that the response addresses the full scope implied by the question. Alternatives like "general question" or "overarching question" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general question

A simpler, more direct synonym for "broad question".

wide-ranging query

Substitutes "broad" with "wide-ranging" to emphasize the scope of the question.

overarching question

Highlights the question's role as the main or most important one.

sweeping question

Uses "sweeping" instead of "broad" to suggest a question that covers many aspects.

comprehensive question

Focuses on the thoroughness of the question.

extensive question

Similar to comprehensive, but emphasizing the amount of detail covered.

general inquiry

Replaces "question" with a synonym, focusing on the act of asking.

all-encompassing question

Emphasizes that the question covers every aspect of the topic.

fundamental question

Focuses on the foundational nature of the question.

open-ended question

Highlights the lack of a specific or limited answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad question" to introduce a topic that requires a comprehensive answer. For example, "Let's start with a broad question: What are the key factors driving climate change?"

What are some alternatives to "broad question"?

You can use alternatives like "general question", "wide-ranging query", or "overarching question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to ask a "broad question" or a specific question?

Whether to ask a "broad question" or a specific question depends on your goal. A "broad question" is useful for starting a discussion or exploring a topic, while a specific question is better for getting a precise answer.

How does a "broad question" differ from a "narrow question"?

A "broad question" covers a wide range of topics or issues, while a narrow question focuses on a specific detail or aspect. In patient diagnosis, the differential diagnosis was transformed from a "broad question" into a narrow one after noticing the orthostatic hypotension.