broader categories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broader categories" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing classifications or groupings that encompass a wider range of items or concepts. Example: "In our research, we found that the data could be organized into broader categories to better understand the trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It codes dialog between patients and clinicians according to various communicative tasks that fall into broader categories.

Global Health Action

Each of these broader categories might have 10, 30, 50 elements.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is no reasonable justification for extending criminal penalties to broader categories of classified information.

The New York Times

The attributes were each scored and grouped into nine broader categories: adventure, citizenship, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, movers, open for business, power and quality of life.

Independent

For example, the broader categories of "Relocation" and "Livelihoods" contain many subcategories and codes (Table 1).

Journal of Applied Volcanology

And they especially like to see multi-disciplinary ideas that move across these broader categories.

TechCrunch

In addition to broader categories, the service is also smarter about understanding word pairings.

TechCrunch

The number of wrong hits for the SLAMM was also lower than those for the neutral models after combining some land or water types into broader categories.

Ecological Modelling

This process involves reading the data carefully, identifying key issues in them, and then organizing those issues into a set of broader categories.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

In our thematic analysis, we identified constructs and dimensions that underlie parental perceptions and found those themes that coalesced into broader categories for use in item development.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Two researchers further thematized the claims into broader categories, first independently and then together, by comparing and discussing the claims until they reached consensus.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When grouping data, clearly define the criteria used to establish your "broader categories" to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid creating "broader categories" that are so general they lose their analytical value. Ensure each category provides meaningful insight, not just a catch-all for diverse elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broader categories" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a preposition or verb, referring to classifications that encompass a wider range of items or concepts. This usage aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broader categories" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that serves to group items or concepts into more general classifications. As noted by Ludwig, it’s widely applicable across various fields, including science, news, and business. When using "broader categories", it is crucial to define clear criteria for inclusion and avoid overgeneralization to maintain analytical value. Alternatives such as "wider classifications" or "overarching themes" can be used depending on the context. The frequency analysis confirms its prevalence, solidifying its status as a valuable term for organizing and simplifying information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wider classifications

Focuses on the act of classifying in a more encompassing way.

larger groupings

Emphasizes the size and arrangement of the groups.

general classifications

Highlights the broad and non-specific nature of the classifications.

inclusive groupings

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the groups.

extensive classifications

Highlights the wide-ranging scope of the classifications.

comprehensive groups

Focuses on the completeness and thoroughness of the groups.

overarching categories

Emphasizes the higher-level nature of the categories.

umbrella terms

Indicates terms that cover a range of more specific items.

wider sets

Highlights the expanded scope of the sets.

expanded groups

Focuses on the increased size or scope of the groups.

FAQs

How can I use "broader categories" in a sentence?

You can use "broader categories" to group similar items or concepts together. For example: "The survey data was analyzed by grouping responses into "larger groupings" to identify key trends."

What are some alternatives to using "broader categories"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "wider classifications", "general classifications", or "overarching themes".

What is the difference between "broader categories" and "narrower categories"?

"Broader categories" encompass a wide range of items, while "narrower categories" are more specific and focused. Using both allows for a detailed yet organized analysis.

How do I decide which items belong in which "broader categories"?

Establish clear criteria based on shared characteristics or common themes. Ensure each item fits logically within its assigned category, and that the categories themselves are mutually exclusive.