broad tastes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad tastes" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to someone having a wide range of interests or preferences. Example: "John has broad tastes in music, from classical to hip hop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I've always had broad tastes!

The Guardian - Music

Probably it just shows that Americans have broad tastes".

The New Yorker

Clothing notwithstanding, Mr. Merritt is a man of broad tastes.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr. Isserlis also had a noteworthy partner in Jeremy Denk, a pianist whose broad tastes and personable virtuosity make him a kindred spirit.

The New York Times - Arts

The prize organisers look for people who are open-minded and open-eared, who have broad tastes, and who are open to compromise.

The Guardian - Music

Less well known is the fact that he seems to have been an obsessive accumulator, with an omnivorous, erudite eye; broad tastes; and a sharp sense of an object's social and cultural connotations.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The two composers featured on this program showed Yarn/Wire's refreshingly broad taste in associates.

The New York Times - Arts

He has broad taste, which includes stuff I really don't like, like jam-band music".

The New Yorker

It's a bold aspiration -- literary slapstick -- and it will appeal most to theatergoers with a broad taste in humor.

The New York Times

A broad taste for fiction emerges, too, from early Ian McEwan (In Between the Sheets) and Martin Amis's definitive 1980s novel, Money, to 21st-century fictions such as Sarah Waters' Fingersmith and Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.

The Guardian - Books

Proudly short on subtlety, uncautiously thick with jokes that range from potty humor to agile, even erudite wordplay, the show will appeal most to theatergoers with a broad taste in humor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's appreciation for various forms of art, entertainment, or cuisine, use "broad tastes" to highlight their open-mindedness and willingness to explore diverse options.

Common error

Avoid implying that someone with "broad tastes" lacks depth in their understanding or enjoyment of specific subjects. The phrase simply means they appreciate a wide range of things, not that their appreciation is shallow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad tastes" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "tastes". It describes the quality of someone's preferences as being diverse and encompassing a wide range of interests. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Arts

23%

Music

15%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad tastes" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who enjoys a diverse range of interests. As verified by Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase, indicating a positive attribute. You can see from Ludwig's examples that this expression appears frequently in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian and conveys open-mindedness and a willingness to explore different options in areas such as music, art, or food. Remember, while "broad tastes" suggests variety, it doesn't imply a lack of depth in understanding or appreciation. Consider related phrases such as "diverse interests" or "wide-ranging tastes" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide-ranging tastes

Similar to the original, but places more emphasis on the extent of the preferences.

diverse interests

Focuses on the variety of subjects or activities that someone enjoys.

eclectic preferences

Highlights the varied and sometimes unconventional nature of one's choices.

versatile preferences

Stresses the adaptability and range of one's tastes.

varied inclinations

Emphasizes the different tendencies or leanings a person has.

comprehensive interests

Highlights the thorough and extensive nature of one's interests.

catholic tastes

Implies an all-embracing and universal appreciation.

extensive appreciation

Focuses on the deep and far-reaching admiration for different things.

omnivorous palate

Figuratively uses "palate" to describe a willingness to experience a wide variety of things, not just food.

liberal inclinations

Suggests an open-minded and tolerant approach to different interests and preferences.

FAQs

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

You can say, "She has "broad tastes" in music, enjoying everything from classical to pop" or "His "broad tastes" allow him to appreciate both fine dining and street food equally".

What is a good alternative to "broad tastes"?

Alternatives include "diverse interests", "eclectic preferences", or "wide-ranging tastes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone has "wide tastes" instead of "broad tastes"?

While "wide tastes" is understandable, "broad tastes" is the more common and idiomatic expression to describe someone with a diverse range of preferences.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "catholic tastes"?

Having "catholic tastes" is similar to having "broad tastes", but it suggests an even more inclusive and universal appreciation for a wide variety of things.