broadly like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broadly like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a general comparison or indicating similarity in a broad sense. Example: "The new policy is broadly like the previous one, aiming to achieve similar goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We always saw this as one continuous wheel, working broadly, like a family".

The New York Times - Sports

On Pfizer, as I said earlier (see 2.14pm), it felt broadly like a draw.

The Guardian

Even the selection of what Vishniac chose to publish now seems, broadly, like a distortion.

The New York Times - Magazine

I saw Scholes break the habit of a lifetime by smiling broadly, like a schoolboy, at his own deed.

The New York Times - Sports

Broadly like Microsoft claiming a share on the royalties for your book because you wrote it with Word.

The Guardian - Tech

But more broadly, like India's vast bureaucracy, the government has expended far too much energy merely to sustain itself.The nuclear deal epitomised its weakness.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Whether they are widely loathed or broadly liked doesn't matter at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's always hazardous to write of a consensual "we", but there was a time when "we" broadly liked Robbie Williams.

Independent

Broadly liked on both sides of the aisle and within the biopharma industry, Gottlieb, a former physician and cancer survivor, made teen tobacco use a major issue during his two-year tenure.

Harvard University

The alternative, a rapid coronation of a broadly liked candidate such as Mr Johnson, could look even more unseemly, as it would be the second time in a row that the top job has been filled without a popular vote.

The Economist

But whether he is broadly liked or not, whatever his home situation may be, a serious illness that befalls a major public figure reminds us all how slender the threads connecting us to this life are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broadly like" to indicate a general similarity when specific details are less important, and to set a high-level understanding before diving into specifics.

Common error

Avoid using "broadly like" if you intend to convey exact equivalence. It signals a general resemblance, not a precise match.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broadly like" functions as a qualifier, indicating a general similarity or resemblance between two things. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts to convey this sense of approximation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broadly like" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a general similarity, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure you intend to convey a general resemblance rather than an exact match. Alternatives such as "generally similar to" or "in a similar vein as" can be used to achieve slightly different nuances. Avoid using "broadly like" when precision is crucial, as it may overstate the similarity. This phrase is well-suited for establishing a high-level understanding before delving into specifics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broadly comparable with

Similar to broadly like, but uses "comparable with" instead of "like".

generally similar to

Emphasizes the overall similarity rather than a specific aspect.

generally in line with

Implies alignment or agreement in a general manner.

largely analogous to

Highlights the analogy or correspondence between two things.

in a similar vein as

Focuses on the shared style or approach.

roughly comparable to

Indicates an approximate level of comparison.

somewhat akin to

Suggests a resemblance without being identical.

in the same ballpark as

Informal phrase that suggests a similar range or scope.

akin in a general sense

Highlights the shared characteristics in a general way.

remotely analogous to

Suggests a distant relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "broadly like" in a sentence?

Use "broadly like" to express a general similarity between two things. For example, "The new software is "broadly like" the previous version, but with some key improvements."

What can I say instead of "broadly like"?

You can use alternatives like "generally similar to", "largely analogous to", or "in a similar vein as" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "broadly like" in formal writing?

Yes, "broadly like" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure that the context allows for a general comparison rather than a detailed analysis. If you need more precision, consider using a more specific phrase.

What's the difference between "broadly like" and "exactly like"?

"Broadly like" implies a general resemblance, while "exactly like" suggests a complete and precise match. Using "broadly like" indicates that there may be some differences, whereas "exactly like" implies no differences exist.