gives a broad answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'gives a broad answer' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or strategy that provides a general overview of a topic or concept, rather than a detailed explanation. For example, "The professor gave a broad answer to the student's question, offering only a general overview of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What is progress?" I gave a broad answer, then at her request, a clarifying example.

The New York Times - Arts

· Senator Sanders gave a broad answer about the scale of the threat and working with China and India, but had said multiple times in the debate that this was a top issue for him.

Huffington Post

By answering the question the way he did, the pope gave a broader answer to what was a limited question.

Huffington Post

It gives a broader, more full world.

The Washington Post

Statistics can only give a broad idea.

BBC

They were also given a broad spectrum antibiotics.

Huffington Post

I'm going to try to provide a broader answer.

The Guardian - Tech

Frank F. Furstenberg gives a surprising answer.

Stanford University

This gives a negative answer to Oja's conjecture.

Journal of Functional Analysis

But nobody ever gives a sensible answer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Typically, he gives a modest answer.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gives a broad answer", ensure the level of detail is appropriate for the audience and context. Sometimes a general overview is sufficient, while other times more specifics are necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "gives a broad answer" when the situation demands a specific and detailed response. Providing excessive generality can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives a broad answer" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the action of providing a general response rather than a specific or detailed one. It's often used to characterize the nature of an answer or explanation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gives a broad answer" is grammatically correct and serves to describe the act of providing a general, rather than a detailed, response. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English. While the phrase isn't particularly frequent (currently categorized as 'Missing' due to no exact matches in the data), it can be a useful way to characterize a response that provides an overview without delving into specifics. When using the phrase, it's important to consider whether the level of detail is appropriate for the situation and audience. Alternatives such as "offers a general response" or "provides a wide-ranging explanation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offers a general response

Focuses on the offering of a response rather than the breadth of it.

provides a wide-ranging explanation

Emphasizes the scope of the explanation provided.

presents a comprehensive overview

Highlights the completeness and overall nature of the presentation.

delivers a sweeping statement

Suggests a statement that covers a large area or range of topics.

outlines a high-level summary

Indicates a summary that avoids detailed specifics.

furnishes a superficial reply

Implies the answer lacks depth and thoroughness.

supplies a non-specific response

Highlights the lack of detailed information in the response.

grants a generalized answer

Focuses on the answer being made general rather than detailed.

articulates a wide-ranging perspective

Emphasizes the expression of a broad viewpoint.

renders a summary response

Indicates that the response is a summary and not comprehensive.

FAQs

How can I use "gives a broad answer" in a sentence?

You can use "gives a broad answer" to describe someone who provides a general, rather than detailed, response. For example, "The politician gives a broad answer to avoid committing to specifics".

What's the difference between "gives a broad answer" and "gives a detailed answer"?

"Gives a broad answer" means providing a general overview, while "gives a detailed answer" means providing specific and thorough information.

What can I say instead of "gives a broad answer"?

You can use alternatives like "offers a general response", "provides a wide-ranging explanation", or "presents a comprehensive overview" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "gives a broad answer"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use "gives a broad answer" only when a general overview is sufficient. If specific details are required, a more detailed response is necessary.