in a broad stroke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a broad stroke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is done quickly or in a very general way. For example, "The new manager painted a picture of success in a broad stroke, without detailing how the company would get there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a broad stroke, corporations lack flexibility, the ability to customize for individual needs, and struggle at constant innovation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The fact that Hunt co-wrote a book about how to dismantle the NHS makes him feel like a broad stroke in a heavy-handed satire.

The Guardian - Opinion

And nearly every work is animated by some lush bit of painting: a tabletop laid on in a single broad stroke, a background color that has a life of its own or some other passage of deft but declarative brushwork.

The New York Times - Arts

new bookThe EconomistQ: What is bonded labour, and why do you call it "modern slavery"?A: In broad strokes, bonded labour, or what's often called debt-bondage, is a form of feudal servitude, where credit is exchanged for pledged labour.

The Economist

Using objects from the collection of Peggy and Richard M. Danziger (Yale L.L.B. 1963), she maps out a history of the tea tradition, or Chanoyu, in a few broad strokes.

The New York Times - Arts

In Lecture 39 on the Gorgias, Olympiodorus explains the story behind these witches in a few broad strokes, apparently to his own satisfaction.

SEP

It's a nutty idea to take such a sprawling novel as Victor Hugo's and turn it into a pop opera; but by God it's effective in a broad brush-stroke way and filled with memorable tunes.

HuffPost

Second, that the most promising approach to semantics is a causal theory, which in broad stroke holds that the objects or events that cause an utterance to be tokened by an agent determine the meaning of that utterance.

SEP

Yet these comic book figures represent more than a feel-good fantasy, for me -- they create a picture, in broad strokes, of what each of us really can do in our daily lives.

HuffPost

Perhaps painting a generation in broad strokes when it labours under such a heavy inherited social burden, and remains in such a vulnerable position, is counterproductive.

Vice

Perhaps painting a generation in broad strokes when it labors under such a heavy inherited social burden, and remains in such a vulnerable position, is counterproductive.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a broad stroke" to introduce a simplified explanation or overview when detailed information is not necessary or appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "in a broad stroke" when precision is required. In scientific or technical writing, detailed explanations are usually preferable to general ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a broad stroke" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the manner in which an action is performed, providing a general overview. As seen on Ludwig, it describes actions done without detailed specifics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a broad stroke" serves as an adverbial phrase that introduces a general or simplified explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, offering a high-level overview without intricate details. While appropriate for general communication, avoiding overuse in technical contexts requiring precision is essential. Alternatives such as "in general terms" or "broadly speaking" can provide similar meanings in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general terms

Focuses on generality of the statement.

generally speaking

Emphasizes the overall perspective.

in a general way

Highlights the lack of specific details.

broadly speaking

Similar to "in general terms", but slightly more formal.

in outline

Suggests a sketch or summary without details.

on the whole

Implies an overall assessment or summary.

in summary

Focuses on providing a concise overview.

as a rule

Indicates a common or typical pattern.

by and large

Suggests a comprehensive, if somewhat imprecise, view.

in essence

Focuses on the core or fundamental aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "in a broad stroke" in a sentence?

You can use "in a broad stroke" to introduce a general overview or summary of a topic. For example, "In a broad stroke, the company's strategy involves expanding into new markets".

What does "in a broad stroke" mean?

The phrase "in a broad stroke" means to describe something in general terms, without going into specific details. It suggests a quick or simplified overview.

What are some alternatives to "in a broad stroke"?

Some alternatives include "in general terms", "broadly speaking", or "in outline".

Is "in a broad stroke" formal or informal?

The phrase "in a broad stroke" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly formal. It can be used in both written and spoken English, but it may not be appropriate for highly informal contexts.