broad sweep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad sweep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general or comprehensive overview of a subject or situation. Example: "The report provides a broad sweep of the current economic trends affecting the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

History

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A broad sweep this is not.

The Economist

Consider the broad sweep of questionable decision making.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In the broad sweep of history, technology is good," he reminded me.

The New York Times

He is more comfortable when placing Islam in the broad sweep of imperial history.

The Economist

He wiped his face with a broad sweep of his hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

First, there is the book's broad sweep and range of learning.

The New York Times - Arts

What would he choose to say about the broad sweep of his government's achievements?

The Guardian

And in the broad sweep of history, it is Christians who have the real genocidal form.

The Guardian - Opinion

But what did we get instead of the broad sweep of the western?

The Guardian - Books

But how Labour elects its leader is just one part of this broad sweep of changes.

The Guardian - Opinion

My adult language of reflection paled next to the broad sweep of his play.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad sweep" when you want to indicate a comprehensive but not necessarily detailed overview. It's effective for describing a general understanding of a subject, concept, or historical period.

Common error

Avoid using "broad sweep" when you're actually providing a detailed analysis or deep dive into a specific aspect of a topic. This phrase suggests a general overview, not intricate examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad sweep" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a comprehensive overview or a general perspective, as exemplified by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Arts

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad sweep" is a versatile term used to describe a comprehensive, yet not deeply detailed, overview. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, as well as artistic and historical contexts. While alternatives like "wide-ranging overview" and "comprehensive survey" exist, "broad sweep" effectively conveys a sense of generality and wide scope. Remember to reserve it for situations where a detailed analysis isn't the primary goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide-ranging overview

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the coverage or analysis.

comprehensive survey

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the assessment.

sweeping view

Similar to "broad sweep" but emphasizes the visual aspect of encompassing a wide area.

extensive coverage

Stresses the depth and detail involved in covering a topic or subject.

general outline

Focuses on providing a basic summary or structure.

grand scope

Highlights the ambitious scale and reach of something.

holistic perspective

Focuses on considering the whole picture and interconnections.

panoramic view

Similar to sweeping view but implies a more detailed or scenic overview.

overall picture

Focuses on understanding the entire situation or context.

complete account

Stresses the exhaustiveness and detail of the information provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad sweep" to describe a comprehensive overview, as in "The historian provided a "broad sweep" of the 20th century".

What's a good alternative to "broad sweep"?

Alternatives include "wide-ranging overview", "comprehensive survey", or "general outline", depending on the context.

Is "broad sweep" formal or informal?

"Broad sweep" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly academic or technical writing, more precise terminology might be preferred.

What does "broad sweep" mean?

"Broad sweep" refers to a comprehensive or general view, often lacking specific details. It implies covering a wide range of information or aspects of a subject.