in broad lines

USAGE SUMMARY

'in broad lines' is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate when you are discussing something in general terms. For example, "In broad lines, the economy has seen a period of growth over the past five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The method employed was in broad lines comparable to that used by Haines et al 12 in children aged 10 13.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

- Every stroke of work not done will shorten the war!" According to the forward to the first German edition, the novel follows "in its broad lines" the Gestapo files on the illegal activities of an actual Berlin working-class couple, Otto and Elise Hampel.

The Guardian - Books

With much of the country yet to glimpse its first Kohl's, he called the company "one of the few blue-sky opportunities left in broad-line retailing".

The New York Times

A conceptual framework for developing agri-environmental policy measures is presented, first in very broad lines (mandatory regulations, economic instruments and advisory measures) and subsequently focusing on economic instruments, and specifically, on market-oriented ones.

Environmental Management

We investigate the variability of the continuum and broad lines in QSO spectra (particularly in the Hβ line and continuum at λ 5100 Å) caused by microlensing of a diffuse massive structure (like an open star cluster).

Advances in Space Research

Although one might anticipate that the arrangement of proteins within the ESM of the chicken would lead to very broad lines in solid state NMR, the fibers appear strikingly ordered by this technique.

Plosone

The initial form of S100A9 is primarily homodimers as we have shown by NMR diffusion experiments and dynamic light scattering, though the broad lines in 1D NMR spectrum indicate that there is an equilibrium exchange between monomers and dimers.

Acta Neuropathologica

Other features, such as the presence of a pronounced shoulder at 56.2 ppm and the two weak and broad lines in the 120 ppm to 200 ppm region, however, suggest that lignin still remains in the sample after the NaOH 4% pretreatment.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

The remainder of the French army, including the French infantry, the bulk of the heavy cavalry, and the remnants of the Swiss, formed up in a broad line some distance behind the two Swiss columns; behind this was a third line, composed of the Venetian forces under Francesco Maria della Rovere, the Duke of Urbino.

Wikipedia

Active: Thresh sweeps his chain in a broad line towards a target direction.

WikiHow

The route will follow the same broad lines as in 1992, but the details, necessarily, will be different.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in broad lines" when you want to provide a general overview without getting into specific details.

Common error

Avoid using "in broad lines" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language if specific details are available to avoid sounding vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in broad lines" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, introducing a general summary or overview. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in broad lines" is used to introduce a general overview or summary of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and acceptable phrase. Its frequency is rare, and it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news & media, and formal business settings. Related phrases include "in general terms" and "to summarize". When using "in broad lines", remember to provide a general overview without unnecessary detail. While acceptable, avoid overusing the phrase by opting for more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general terms

Focuses on generality rather than a structured outline.

in a general way

Similar to "in general terms" but emphasizes the manner of expression.

in outline form

Emphasizes the structured, summarized nature of the information.

in summary

Highlights the act of summarizing the most important points.

to summarize

An infinitive phrase that introduces a summary.

generally speaking

Indicates a generalization, focusing on what's typically true.

on the whole

Implies an overall assessment or consideration.

in essence

Highlights the fundamental nature or core of something.

in the main

Focuses on the principal or primary aspects.

by and large

Indicates a general overview, often with minor exceptions.

FAQs

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

You can use "in broad lines" to introduce a general overview or summary of a topic. For instance, "In broad lines, the project aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs".

What phrases are similar to "in broad lines"?

Similar phrases include "in general terms", "in a general way", or "generally speaking", all indicating a lack of specific details.

Is "in broad lines" formal or informal?

"In broad lines" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when providing a summary or general overview. However, consider using more specific language in highly formal or technical writing.

What's the difference between "in broad lines" and "in detail"?

"In broad lines" provides a general overview, while "in detail" involves a thorough and specific examination. For example, describing a plan "in broad lines" would outline its main objectives, whereas describing it "in detail" would cover every aspect and procedure.