broad term

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad term" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a description or definition that includes a wide range of items or concepts. For example, you could say "Education is a broad term that encompasses anything from traditional classroom instruction to online learning programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Broad term, actually.

The New Yorker

"Entertainment" is a broad term.

Independent

"Service is a broad term," he said.

The New York Times

"Structural reform" is a broad term.

The Economist

Wearable computing is a broad term.

The New York Times

Well, "stage" can be a broad term.

The New York Times

"It's a very broad term".

The New York Times

Feature is a broad term.

The Guardian - Books

"Cultivation is a very broad term," he said.

The New York Times

Bibliotherapy is a very broad term for the ancient practice of encouraging reading for therapeutic effect.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In broad terms, they succeeded.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broad term" when you want to indicate that a word or phrase covers a wide variety of meanings or applications. This is useful when introducing a concept that might be interpreted in different ways.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "broad term" without providing further context or clarification. While it's useful to acknowledge the wide scope of a term, always follow up with specific examples or details to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad term" functions as a modifier used to characterize a noun (usually another term, concept, or category) as having a wide or general scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it often precedes the term being described, clarifying its nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad term" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to describe a word or concept with a wide range of meanings or applications. Ludwig AI supports this, showing its prevalent use across various sources. Its primary function is to indicate generality, often requiring further clarification to avoid ambiguity. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using "broad term", remember to provide sufficient context to ensure clear communication. Alternatives like "umbrella term" or "general concept" can also be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

umbrella term

Implies a term that covers many related but distinct items.

wide-ranging definition

Emphasizes the scope of the definition.

catch-all phrase

Conveys that the phrase is used to include many things without being specific.

inclusive category

Highlights the encompassing nature of the classification.

general classification

Stresses the act of classifying in a non-specific manner.

general concept

Focuses on the idea itself rather than the terminology.

comprehensive description

Highlights the thoroughness of the explanation.

loose definition

Suggests a lack of strictness or precision in the definition.

sweeping generalization

Suggests a broader, less precise statement.

overarching theme

Shifts the focus to a central, unifying idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad term" to describe a word or phrase that encompasses a wide range of meanings or applications. For example, "'Technology' is a "broad term" that includes everything from simple tools to complex computer systems".

What are some alternatives to saying "broad term"?

Instead of "broad term", you could use phrases like "umbrella term", "general concept", or "inclusive category", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a very broad term"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to say "a very broad term". The word "very" simply intensifies the broadness of the term being described. However, ensure you provide context to clarify the term's scope.

What does it mean when someone says a word is a "broad term"?

When someone says a word is a "broad term", it means that the word has a wide range of meanings or applications, and its specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.