broad wording

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad wording" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a phrase or statement that is written or spoken using language that is very general, and not necessarily specific. For example, "The attorney used broad wording in order to cover all possible legal scenarios."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In response to complaints by Mr. Burkle, Barnes & Noble amended its poison pill to eliminate the broad wording.

The New York Times

Opponents of the amendment stressed that under its broad wording, unmarried heterosexual couples might lose health-care coverage or other entitlements.

The New York Times - Magazine

He and his party have long opposed the broad wording of the law and its allegedly selective enforcement to political ends.

The New York Times

"The poem is just a metaphor," Sann Aung said, noting that it's the broad wording of the criminal code that makes prosecuting Saungkha possible.

The New Yorker

The open internet group EFF has warned that Cispa's broad wording could class many routine internet activities, such as using encryption on emails or enabling anonymity using a service called TOR, as potential threats.

The Guardian - Tech

But its broad wording, along with the White House's long-running, high-stakes trade rift with Beijing, left some tech experts fearful that it could result in greater market barriers for companies doing business in China.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Hurt is a broad word," Ralph said.

The New York Times - Sports

Those are broad words that, in this case, answer little.

The New Yorker

And what about the killings and rendition tortures carried out by the secular CIA? Sharia is a broad word.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Mr Hughes is taking it on tour to corporate and government information officers".Cyber-security" and "cyberwar" are broad words.

The Economist

Necessity and proportionality are broad words and the more extreme the use of force, the higher the threshold and the greater the need for accountability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing legislation, use "broad wording" to suggest the law is poorly defined and open to abuse.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "broad wording" always implies negativity. While it often suggests a lack of precision leading to potential issues, it can also indicate inclusivity and flexibility, depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad wording" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the characteristic of language being general or inclusive, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it refers to legal or policy language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

6.25%

Wiki

6.25%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad wording" is a commonly used phrase to describe language lacking specificity, often found in legal, policy, and general analytical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its neutrality allows for objective analysis, recognizing its potential implications for ambiguity is crucial. Alternatives like "general language" or "vague phrasing" can offer nuanced perspectives. Using "broad wording" effectively involves understanding its scope and avoiding assumptions of inherent negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general language

Focuses on the generality and lack of specificity in the language.

vague phrasing

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision in the language used.

inclusive language

Highlights that the language covers a wide range of possibilities.

sweeping terms

Suggests the language is wide-ranging and comprehensive.

loose terminology

Implies a lack of strictness or precision in the terms used.

wide scope

Focuses on the extent of application of the language.

unrestrictive definition

Emphasizes that the definition is open and not narrowly defined.

elastic interpretation

Highlights the flexibility and adaptability of the interpretation.

overarching principle

Indicates that the wording serves as a fundamental, broad concept.

comprehensive description

Implies that the wording is thorough and covers a wide array of details.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad wording" to describe language that is general and not specific, for example, "The law's "broad wording" allows for various interpretations".

What's an alternative to using "broad wording"?

Alternatives include "general language", "vague phrasing", or "inclusive language", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "broad wording" a negative term?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a lack of precision that could lead to problems, it can also mean that the language is intentionally inclusive or flexible. The context determines the connotation.

What implications does "broad wording" have in legal documents?

In legal contexts, "broad wording" can create ambiguity, leading to different interpretations by courts and potentially unintended consequences. It's often a point of contention in legal challenges.