in broad terms

USAGE SUMMARY

'in broad terms' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when you are discussing a subject in general or giving a simplified definition. For example, "In broad terms, a volcano is an opening in the earth's surface through which lava, ash, and gases are released."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In broad terms, they succeeded.

The Economist

The apology was expressed in broad terms.

The New York Times

Costas fielded questions about his future only in broad terms.

The New York Times - Sports

In broad terms, nothing about this scoop was shocking.

The New Yorker

Verdict: In broad terms this has addressed Cameron's concerns.

The Guardian

In broad terms, however, Orwell was proved right.

Independent

In broad terms, more traction leads to better results.

The New York Times

They talked in "broad terms" about the issue.

Independent

In broad terms, she has only two options, beyond inaction.

The Economist

But Mr. Bush is not a man given to explaining his strategy in broad terms.

The New York Times

In broad terms the solutions and many of the players fall into two categories.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in broad terms" when you want to provide a general overview or simplification of a complex topic, avoiding intricate details.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "in broad terms" without providing any specific examples or supporting evidence. Ensure you balance general statements with concrete details to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in broad terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the scope or generality of a statement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it introduces a simplified or general perspective on a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in broad terms" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce general statements or summaries. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Its primary function is to provide a simplified overview, omitting intricate details and complexities. As evidenced by Ludwig examples, the phrase is commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and formal business communications, reflecting its neutral register and broad applicability. While it is important to avoid overusing vague language and support general statements with concrete details, "in broad terms" remains a valuable tool for conveying essential information concisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

Slightly more concise and direct, this phrase conveys a similar meaning of discussing something without specific details.

generally speaking

This alternative offers a more conversational tone, often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a generalization.

speaking generally

This is a more formal version of "generally speaking", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

on the whole

This suggests a comprehensive overview, focusing on the overall picture rather than individual elements.

by and large

Similar to "on the whole", this phrase implies that there might be exceptions, but the statement holds true in most cases.

in essence

This focuses on the core or fundamental nature of something, simplifying it to its most important aspects.

in summary

This explicitly indicates that a concise overview of previously stated information will follow.

to summarize

A more active version of "in summary", directly indicating an act of summarization.

at a high level

This alternative refers to explaining something without going into technical details, focusing on the overall architecture or design.

in a nutshell

This phrase is used to convey something in a very concise and succinct manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "in broad terms" to introduce a general statement or summary. For example, "In broad terms, the project was a success".

What are some alternatives to "in broad terms"?

Some alternatives to "in broad terms" include phrases like "generally speaking", "in general", or "on the whole".

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

Yes, "in broad terms" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to provide a general overview. However, ensure you also include specific details to support your general statements.

How does "in broad terms" differ from "in detail"?

"In broad terms" means providing a general summary, while "in detail" means providing specific and intricate information. They represent opposite approaches to discussing a topic.