is too broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is too broad" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a statement or idea is too general or all-encompassing. Here is an example: "The scope of the research question is too broad and needs to be narrowed down in order to effectively address it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A cowboy hat is too broad.

The New York Times

I think this distinction is too broad.

The New York Times

The search is too broad.

The New York Times - Style

But this is too broad by far.

The Guardian

Others fretted that the ordinance is too broad.

The New York Times

"The Dream Act is too broad," he said.

The New York Times

MILLE LACS is too broad to see across in places.

The New York Times - Travel

The notion of kinaesthetic intelligence is too broad.

The Guardian

But the definition of necessary is too broad, said McNamee.

The Guardian - Business

Actually, the concept of camp is too broad.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Protestantism" is too broad a thing to advocate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is too broad", clearly identify what specifically is overly general and suggest ways to narrow it down for better focus.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is too broad" without specifying why. Provide context and examples to illustrate the lack of focus or specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is too broad" functions as a subjective assessment, typically following a noun or concept, and serves to qualify or criticize the scope or nature of that concept. It often implies a need for refinement or greater specificity, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is too broad" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to critique the scope or generality of a topic, argument, or definition. As shown by Ludwig, it's frequently found in news and scientific contexts, indicating its utility in analytical discussions. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify why something is considered overly general and suggest ways to narrow its focus. Alternatives like "is overly broad" or "is too general" can provide subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is overly broad

Emphasizes the excessiveness of the breadth.

is excessively wide

Highlights the extensive range or scope.

is too general

Focuses on the lack of specificity.

lacks specificity

Directly points out the absence of detailed information.

is not specific enough

States the need for greater detail.

is ill-defined

Indicates a lack of clear boundaries or parameters.

is loosely defined

Suggests a lack of precision in the definition.

is all-encompassing

Highlights the inclusion of too many elements.

is too wide-ranging

Emphasizes the extensive and varied nature of the subject.

is imprecise

Focuses on the lack of accuracy and exactness.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is too broad"?

When something "is too broad", it means it's too general and lacks specific focus. It encompasses too much, making it difficult to address effectively. Refining and narrowing down the scope is usually necessary.

How can I tell if a topic "is too broad"?

A topic "is too broad" if it's difficult to cover comprehensively in a reasonable amount of time or space, or if it lacks a clear, manageable focus. Consider whether you can narrow the scope to address a more specific aspect.

What are some alternatives to saying something "is too broad"?

Instead of saying something "is too broad", you can use alternatives like "is overly broad", "is too general", or "lacks specificity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I fix a research question that "is too broad"?

To fix a research question that "is too broad", identify the core area of interest and narrow your focus to a specific aspect within that area. Consider limiting the scope by time period, population, or geographical location.