overly broad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overly broad" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is too general or covers too much ground, and thus may not be specific or accurate enough. Example: "The new law's definition of hate speech is overly broad and could potentially restrict free speech rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's either exclusionary or overly broad.

The New York Times

Many software patents are overly broad.

The Washington Post

Overly broad federal regulation poses another risk, he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This revised order seems overly broad as well.

The New York Times

How vague and overly broad can patents get?

The Economist

Others want its overly broad mandate slimmed down.

The Economist

But even the administration's proposed exemption is overly broad.

The New York Times

Powers's redefinition of bohemianism can be overly broad.

The New York Times - Books

"It's overly broad, and there are no objective standards".

The New York Times

Price determinations may be overly broad or misleading.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Overly-broad bills can do more damage than good.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overly broad", ensure you can provide specific examples of how the subject is too general. For instance, instead of saying 'The policy is overly broad', specify 'The policy is overly broad because it covers minor infractions alongside serious offenses'.

Common error

Avoid using "overly broad" without context or explanation. The reader needs to understand why something is too broad. Without this, your critique lacks substance and may confuse your audience. Provide specific examples or clarification to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly broad" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is too general or covers too much scope. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses a judgment about the extent of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overly broad" serves as a critical adjective phrase used to denote that something is excessively general, potentially leading to problems. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is both grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance across various fields. When using "overly broad", be sure to provide specific examples to support your critique and ensure your audience understands the precise reasons for your assessment. While alternatives exist, "overly broad" is a direct and effective way to communicate that something needs more refinement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excessively wide

Emphasizes the excessive extent or scope.

Unduly extensive

Highlights that the extent is inappropriate or unjustified.

Inordinately comprehensive

Focuses on the excessive completeness or inclusiveness.

Unjustifiably inclusive

Stresses the lack of justification for the broad inclusion.

Unnecessarily sweeping

Indicates the breadth is not required or useful.

Disproportionately generalized

Highlights that the generalization is excessive compared to what's warranted.

Overly encompassing

Emphasizes the excessive coverage or containment.

Too all-inclusive

Suggests it includes everything, perhaps inappropriately.

Improperly expanded

Highlights that the broadening was done incorrectly.

Overly generalized

Focuses on the excessive generalization, potentially losing accuracy.

FAQs

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

You can use "overly broad" to describe something that is too general and lacks specific focus. For example, 'The definition of the term in the contract is "overly broad", making it difficult to enforce effectively'.

What are some alternatives to using "overly broad"?

Alternatives to "overly broad" include "excessively wide", "unduly extensive", or "too all-inclusive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "overly broad" or overly specific?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the context. Being "overly broad" may lack necessary detail, while being overly specific might miss the larger picture. The key is finding a balance that suits the situation.

What makes a law or policy "overly broad"?

A law or policy is considered "overly broad" if it covers too much ground and could potentially infringe on legitimate activities or rights. It lacks precision and may be open to misinterpretation or abuse.