broadly similar

USAGE SUMMARY

"broadly similar" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not entirely the same but shares some common characteristics. For example, "The two paintings were broadly similar, though one was in color and the other was in black and white."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are broadly similar.

The New York Times

The strategy is broadly similar.

The Guardian

The response was broadly similar.

The Guardian

Some of the portrayals are broadly similar.

The Guardian

His ideas are broadly similar to those of Mr. Summers.

The New York Times

There are other broadly similar versions of the idea, too.

The New York Times

The average amounts invested were broadly similar in both cases.

The Guardian

S.& P.'s analysts hold broadly similar views.

The New York Times

The figures in Levine's 2012 paper are broadly similar.

The New Yorker

The GDP impacts of 26%and35%5% were broadly similar.

The Guardian

Ireland's homicide rate is broadly similar to its EU neighbours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broadly similar" when you want to indicate a general resemblance without claiming exact equivalence. This is useful when discussing complex topics where minor differences exist.

Common error

Avoid using "broadly similar" when significant differences exist. Overstating the likeness can mislead readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broadly similar" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that two or more entities share general characteristics without being identical. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broadly similar" is a correct and common way to describe items that share general characteristics but are not exactly the same. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, use it to indicate a general resemblance, being careful not to overstate the similarity when significant differences exist. Alternatives like "generally alike" or "largely comparable" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Its frequent usage and clear meaning make it a reliable choice for expressing qualified comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally alike

Emphasizes overall likeness but allows for differences in details.

largely comparable

Highlights the extent of similarity for comparison purposes.

mostly the same

Indicates a high degree of overlap with a simpler phrasing.

roughly equivalent

Suggests approximate equality or correspondence.

somewhat analogous

Implies a resemblance that facilitates drawing parallels.

in many respects similar

Highlights that the similarity is present in multiple aspects.

sharing common traits

Focuses on the shared characteristics between items.

bearing resemblance

Highlights the visual or superficial similarities.

displaying similarities

Draws attention to the act of showing similar features.

possessing similar attributes

Highlights shared characteristics or qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "broadly similar" to describe two or more things that share key characteristics but are not identical. For instance, "The two proposals are "broadly similar" in their approach to environmental conservation."

What phrases can I use instead of "broadly similar"?

Alternatives to "broadly similar" include "generally alike", "largely comparable", or "roughly equivalent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is "broadly similar" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "broadly similar" is suitable for formal writing. It provides a nuanced way to describe similarities without implying exact equivalence, which is often necessary in academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "broadly similar" and "exactly the same"?

"Broadly similar" indicates a general resemblance, allowing for some differences. "Exactly the same", on the other hand, implies complete identity. Use "broadly similar" when there are notable variations between the items being compared.