think broader

USAGE SUMMARY

'think broader' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are encouraging someone to open their mind to new possibilities or to look at a problem in a different way from the one they normally would. For example, you could say to someone, "If you want to come up with a creative solution to this problem, try to think broader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Mr. Thomas said the collective gave him the opportunity to think broader and create things that he could not do alone.

The New York Times

Ideally, think broader than just the pure content expertise: the perfect contributor for a cross-border matter is one who also has sufficient cultural intelligence to operate in a global team.

Harvard Business Review

You have to think broader.

Forbes

But we need to think broader than this.

Forbes

Lastly, start having conversations with high-potential employees about what is important to them, and start to think broader than just money as a reward.

Forbes

The key is to think broader.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Think broad.

The New York Times

… [Racing] teaches you to think broad, and people who are used to working in intense environments are valued members of the team".

Science Magazine

While Warby Parker and other online retailers have looked to stand out by staying laser-focused on their own brand, eponym is a testament to the fact that it still pays to think broad in online retail.

TechCrunch

Think broad chested, muscular, 'bulldog' looking horses.

WikiHow

Almost everyone thinks broad diversification is a must in building a portfolio.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think broader" to encourage strategic thinking by prompting a consideration of long-term impacts and wider stakeholder perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "think broader" when a more specific instruction is needed. If you need someone to focus on details, "think broader" might be counterproductive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think broader" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to expand their scope of thought. It's used to encourage a more comprehensive and inclusive approach, as affirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think broader" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase that encourages a more expansive perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for urging individuals to open their minds and consider new possibilities. Its use spans various contexts, particularly in news and media and formal business settings. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where a wider scope of thought is desired, rather than when specific, detailed instructions are required. Consider alternatives like "take a broader view" or "expand your horizons" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a broader view

This is a more direct synonym, emphasizing a wider scope of consideration.

broaden your understanding

This focuses on achieving a more comprehensive knowledge.

widen your perspective

This focuses on increasing the scope of one's viewpoint.

look at the bigger picture

This encourages considering the overall context and implications.

enlarge your thinking

This suggests expanding the scope of your thought process.

expand your horizons

This suggests broadening one's experiences and knowledge.

think more comprehensively

This emphasizes a thorough and inclusive approach to thinking.

consider alternative viewpoints

This emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives.

think outside the box

This suggests exploring unconventional and creative solutions.

adopt a more holistic approach

This encourages a comprehensive and interconnected way of thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "think broader" in a sentence?

You can use "think broader" to encourage someone to consider a wider range of possibilities or perspectives. For instance, "If you want to solve this problem creatively, try to think broader".

What's a good alternative to "think broader"?

Alternatives include "take a broader view", "expand your horizons", or "widen your perspective" depending on the context.

Is "think broader" formal or informal?

"Think broader" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, though it's often seen in business or creative contexts.

When should I not use "think broader"?

Avoid using "think broader" when the situation requires specific instructions or a focus on detail. It's best used when encouraging open-mindedness and creativity rather than precision.