broader idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"broader idea" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a concept that is more general than the one currently being discussed. For example, "By looking at the bigger picture, we can see the broader idea behind this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gazette: That, and the broader idea of mind-body connection.

Harvard University

Originally, this rule was part of the government's broader idea of testing and tracking doctors' competence.

The New York Times

The broader idea of charity is what inspired Luke Babcock to get involved with CMEE.

The New York Times

It is in its political dimension that economic integration differs from the broader idea of regionalism in general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, the BBC represents a broader idea of "public space" that is currently not very fashionable politically.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the broader idea that Russia has compromising information, or kompromat, on Trump has moved even more to the forefront.

The Washington Post

Democrats are actively building their women's economic agenda around the broader idea that women face unique economic challenges.

The Washington Post

"Obviously we want to help," Mr. de Blasio said, adding that he was considering a broader idea to help nonprofit groups.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

So I suggested a few broader ideas: "How about completed projects?

The New York Times

Some who know him say that it was as mayor that his view of the world began to shift -- he traveled abroad and was exposed to broader ideas.

The New York Times

The announcement also ties into some of the broader ideas that Facebook has been promoting.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broader idea", ensure you have clearly defined the initial, narrower concept you are expanding upon. This provides context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "broader idea" when a more specific concept is actually intended. Overly broad statements can lack precision and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broader idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a concept that is more general or encompassing than a specific detail. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broader idea" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for referring to a more general concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia signifies its versatility and acceptance. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to establish a clear contrast with a narrower, more specific concept to enhance clarity. While alternatives like "wider concept" or "more general concept" exist, "broader idea" remains a direct and effective way to signal a shift in perspective towards a more inclusive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wider concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept" and "broader" with "wider", maintaining the essence of a more encompassing notion.

more general concept

Uses "general" instead of "broad", emphasizing the lack of specificity in the idea.

larger perspective

Shifts from an idea to a "perspective", indicating a view with greater scope.

holistic view

Focuses on completeness and interconnectedness rather than simple breadth.

comprehensive understanding

Highlights the depth and completeness of the knowledge or insight.

overarching theme

Emphasizes the dominance and unifying nature of the idea.

inclusive concept

Highlights the characteristic of encompassing a variety of elements.

expansive notion

Uses "expansive" to convey the large scope and scale of the idea.

wider scope

Focuses on the extent or range of the subject.

global perspective

Implies a view that considers worldwide implications and contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "broader idea" to introduce a concept that encompasses a wider scope or a more general understanding of a specific topic. For instance, "While the initial focus was on individual performance, the discussion shifted to the "broader idea" of team collaboration".

What's a good alternative to "broader idea"?

Depending on the context, alternatives could include "wider concept", "more general concept", or "holistic view".

Is it correct to say "more broader idea"?

No, "more broader idea" is redundant. "Broader" already implies a comparative degree. The correct phrase is "broader idea".

What is the difference between "broader idea" and "specific idea"?

"Broader idea" refers to a general concept that encompasses many different aspects, while "specific idea" refers to a particular, well-defined concept. One leads to generalization while the other leads to particularization.