broad sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a general or overarching understanding of a concept or idea, rather than a specific or narrow interpretation. Example: "In a broad sense, the term 'sustainability' encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In a broad sense, I mean.

The Guardian - Music

In a broad sense, FAST was nothing new.

The New Yorker

In a broad sense, Christian culture produced it.

The New Yorker

Coronations, however, are a consecration only in the broad sense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And that, in a broad sense, was news.

The New Yorker

This is all, in a broad sense, typical.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

broad-sense heritability.

AMB Express

Narrow-sense and broad-sense heritability were high for all the traits assessed.

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences

b90% confidence intervals of broad-sense heritability.

BMC Plant Biology

H -- Broad-sense heritability on an entry-mean basis.

BMC Genomics

The highest broad-sense heritability was found for leaf senescence.

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad sense", ensure the context clarifies the scope of the generality. Avoid vagueness by hinting at specific aspects included within the 'broad' scope to provide a more complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "broad sense" as a crutch for a lack of specificity. While it indicates a general understanding, readers still need some context. Always aim to provide enough information to prevent misinterpretation or ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad sense" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically used to qualify the scope or interpretation of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad sense" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey a general or overarching understanding of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence across academic, scientific, and news domains highlights its versatility. While highly applicable, it's important to ensure that using the phrase "broad sense" doesn't lead to vagueness. Consider clarifying the scope of the generality to avoid potential misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "general sense", "inclusive interpretation", and "overall perspective" can be used to provide slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general sense

Replaces "broad" with "general", emphasizing a non-specific understanding.

wide sense

Substitutes "broad" with "wide", highlighting the extent of inclusion.

loose interpretation

Focuses on the flexibility of the interpretation being applied.

general understanding

Replaces "sense" with "understanding", highlighting comprehension.

inclusive interpretation

Emphasizes that the interpretation includes a wide range of possibilities.

overall perspective

Shifts the focus to the overall view or outlook.

in general terms

Indicates that the statement is made without specific details.

comprehensive view

Highlights the thoroughness of the viewpoint.

sweeping generalization

Suggests a generalization that covers a large area or group.

rough idea

Implies an imprecise or approximate understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad sense" to indicate a general or overarching understanding of a concept. For example, "In a "general sense", sustainability includes environmental, social and economic factors."

What's the difference between "broad sense" and "narrow sense"?

"Broad sense" refers to a wide or general interpretation, while "narrow sense" refers to a specific or limited interpretation. The choice depends on the level of detail required.

What are some alternatives to "broad sense"?

Alternatives include "general understanding", "inclusive interpretation", or "overall perspective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "broad sense" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to indicate a general or overarching understanding. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.