in broad strokes

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "in broad strokes" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It typically means to generally outline or explain something, possibly with some details omitted. For example, "The mayor outlined the city budget in broad strokes, emphasizing the need for fiscal discipline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Accordingly, everything is drawn in broad strokes.

The New York Times - Books

Voters paint in broad strokes.

The Guardian

I write in broad strokes.

The Guardian

In broad strokes, the parallels are alarming.

The New York Times

In broad strokes, the verdict is known.

The New York Times

Love is evident in broad strokes of creative output.

The Guardian - Opinion

Riding wrote in broad strokes, organizing his material thematically.

The New York Times - Books

In broad strokes, Google's predicament echoes the past.

The New York Times - Tech

"Ms. Fleming painted her coloratura in broad strokes," he added.

The New York Times

Mikey, the straightforward Yankee in the unfathomable East, is painted in broad strokes, literally.

The New York Times - Arts

Lee Daniels enjoys commercial but not always critical success because he paints in broad strokes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in broad strokes" when you want to provide a general overview or outline of a topic without getting into specific details. It's useful for introductions, summaries, or when addressing audiences unfamiliar with the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "in broad strokes" as an excuse for being vague or lacking substance. While the phrase implies generality, it should still provide a clear and meaningful overview. Ensure that the core information is conveyed, even if details are omitted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in broad strokes" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which something is described or presented. Ludwig provides examples where it describes how narratives are written, plans are outlined, or situations are understood, emphasizing a general overview rather than specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, the phrase "in broad strokes" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a general overview or outline of a topic, without getting into specific details. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in various written contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves the purpose of providing a summary or initial understanding, and it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications. Remember to use "in broad strokes" when you want to convey the main points without getting bogged down in minutiae, but avoid using it as an excuse for vagueness. Ensure that the core information is still clearly conveyed, even when details are omitted. Alternatives like "in general terms" or "generally speaking" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general terms

Focuses on the generality of the description, similar to 'in broad strokes'.

generally speaking

Highlights the act of generalizing, akin to outlining something 'in broad strokes'.

in a nutshell

Implies a very concise summary, relating to the idea of omitting details.

in outline

Emphasizes the skeletal structure of a description, mirroring the lack of fine details.

in summary

Focuses on providing a condensed version, resembling a description 'in broad strokes'.

in essence

Highlights the core meaning, similar to conveying something without specifics.

on a larger scale

Shifts focus to the overall picture, mirroring the concept of overlooking details.

at a high level

Suggests a description that avoids delving into the specifics, like 'in broad strokes'.

in the big picture

Implies focusing on the overall context rather than specific components.

superficially

Conveys a lack of deep examination, relating to the idea of avoiding fine details.

FAQs

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

You can use "in broad strokes" to indicate that you are giving a general overview of a topic, for example, "The president outlined his economic plan "in broad strokes" during the press conference".

What phrases are similar to "in broad strokes"?

Similar phrases include "in general terms", "generally speaking", and "in outline". These all suggest a general description without detailed specifics.

Is it appropriate to use "in broad strokes" in formal writing?

Yes, "in broad strokes" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to provide a summary or overview without delving into specific details. However, ensure that the overall message remains clear and informative.

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

"In broad strokes" means to describe something generally, focusing on the main points and omitting specifics. "In detail", on the other hand, means to describe something thoroughly, including all relevant facts and nuances. They are essentially opposites.