broaden the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broaden the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to expand or include more items in a list. Example: "To ensure we cover all potential candidates, we need to broaden the list of applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The B.D.L. committee seemed to make an effort to broaden the list, not quite banishing obvious socialites and actresses but nearly so.

The New York Times

He was vaguer about France's national interests than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac, who made a similar speech in January 2006, in which he appeared to broaden the list.

The New York Times

Mr. Cockfield said that while the governor believed the law was explicit, he would explore whether options existed to broaden the list.

The New York Times

The central bank is also studying, the chairman said, changes in law that would broaden the list of assets the Fed could acquire, again a response to the shrinking of the Treasury market.

The New York Times

Some of the lawyers in the field, including several from Mr. Phillips's firm, played a central role in advising the Securities and Exchange Commission on the rules creating its whistle-blower program, including a provision to broaden the list of who was eligible to file a claim.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Abbott announced on Tuesday his plans to broaden the listing criteria for terrorist organisations, lower the threshold for arrest without warrant for terrorism offences, extend police and intelligence agencies' powers to stop, question and detain suspects, and make it easier for the Australian federal police (AFP) to seek control orders on returning foreign fighters.

The Guardian

He also broadened the list of activities that would qualify as offsets, bringing a potential windfall to farm interests.

The New York Times

The Fed, which has operated through the Treasury market to move interest rates, is broadening the list of non-Treasury securities it will accept in this process.

The New York Times

WHEN Sanford I. Weill, the chief executive of Citigroup, broadened the list of his possible successors last week, his promotion of Sir Deryck C. Maughan was the biggest surprise.

The New York Times

While the Clinton administration had tried to negotiate a deal that would have ended North Korea's missile sales and production, the Bush administration broadened the list of demands to include the speeding up of nuclear inspections and conventional arms.

The New York Times

She has done many things to try to drag the xenophobic party of her father, Jean-Marie, towards the political mainstream: she has shed neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic relics; given the party a fresher, female face; and broadened the list of things it hates, to include not only immigration but globalisation, the euro, Brussels, austerity, free trade, the European Central Bank and more.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for inclusivity, use "broaden the list" to ensure representation from diverse backgrounds or perspectives in your selection criteria.

Common error

Don't just "broaden the list" without a clear rationale. Ensure that new additions are relevant and contribute meaningfully to the overall purpose of the list.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broaden the list" functions as a directive or suggestion to expand a pre-existing list. It implies adding more items or entries to the list to make it more comprehensive or inclusive. Ludwig AI's response confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broaden the list" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that means to expand a list to be more comprehensive or inclusive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-suited for diverse writing contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific and formal communications. While the phrase is generally neutral, remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that any additions are relevant and meaningful. Consider alternatives like "expand the catalog" or "widen the scope" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broaden the selection

Substitutes "list" with "selection," focusing on the act of choosing from available options.

expand the catalog

Replaces 'list' with 'catalog', suggesting a more formal or organized collection.

develop the index

Replaces 'list' with 'index' which implies a structured compilation of information, like a book's index.

extend the inventory

Uses 'inventory' instead of 'list', implying a more exhaustive or detailed collection.

enlarge the roster

Replaces 'list' with 'roster', suggesting a collection of people or members.

add to the register

Uses "register" instead of "list", which implies a formal or official record.

widen the scope

Shifts focus from the list itself to the overall scope or range being considered.

grow the directory

Replaces 'list' with 'directory', suggesting a collection of contacts or references.

augment the compilation

Uses 'augment' to emphasize adding to an existing collection or compilation.

increase the enumeration

Replaces 'list' with 'enumeration', implying a numbered or itemized collection.

FAQs

What does "broaden the list" mean?

It means to expand a list by adding more items or entries to it, often to make it more comprehensive or inclusive.

How can I use "broaden the list" in a sentence?

You might say, "To ensure we consider all possibilities, we need to "broaden the list" of potential solutions."

What's a more formal alternative to "broaden the list"?

Consider using "expand the catalog" or "extend the inventory" for a more formal tone.

Is it always good to "broaden the list"?

Not necessarily. While it can promote inclusivity, ensure additions are relevant and maintain the list's focus and quality.