too broad

USAGE SUMMARY

"too broad" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a statement or idea that is too general or not specific enough. Example: "The topic of your essay is too broad. You need to narrow it down to a specific aspect in order to provide a clear and thorough analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it too broad?

Harvard University

"That'll be too broad.

The New York Times - Science

Are they too broad?

The Guardian

"It's too broad.

The New York Times

The jokes are too broad.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But are they too broad?

The Guardian - Opinion

A cowboy hat is too broad.

The New York Times

That is far too broad a claim.

The New York Times

The search is too broad.

The New York Times - Style

The court found that prohibition too broad.

The New York Times - Tech

I think this distinction is too broad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "too broad", ensure you specify what needs to be narrowed down or made more specific for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "too broad" without explaining why something is too broad or how it can be improved. Provide specific examples or suggestions for narrowing the scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too broad" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or concept. It indicates that the noun or concept is excessively wide in scope or application. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too broad" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that lacks specificity or encompasses too much. Ludwig AI highlights its widespread use across diverse contexts like News & Media, Academia and Science. When employing this phrase, consider providing context or suggestions for improvement. Alternative phrases such as "too extensive", "too generalized", or "lacks focus" can offer nuanced ways to express a similar sentiment. Be mindful of the register and audience when using "too broad", adapting your language for the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly broad

Direct synonym, emphasizing that the breadth is excessive.

too extensive

Suggests a range that is excessively large or comprehensive, similar to "too broad".

not specific enough

Directly points out the lack of detail or precision, making something overly broad.

too comprehensive

Indicates that something covers too much ground or includes too many elements.

too generalized

Indicates a lack of specificity or detail, making something overly broad.

too diverse

Implies a range of elements that is excessively varied or wide-ranging.

too all-encompassing

Suggests that something attempts to cover everything, resulting in a lack of focus.

excessively wide

Highlights the excessive width or scope of something.

too wide-ranging

Suggests a scope that encompasses too many different areas or topics.

lacks focus

Indicates a deficiency in concentration or specificity, leading to a broad approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "too broad" to describe a topic, claim, or definition that covers too much ground and lacks specificity. For example, "The definition of 'success' is "too broad"; it needs to be more specific to individual goals."

What are some alternatives to saying "too broad"?

Alternatives include "too extensive", "too generalized", or "lacks focus" depending on the context.

Is it better to be "too broad" or too narrow?

Neither is ideal. Being "too broad" lacks focus, while being too narrow may miss important aspects. The ideal scope depends on the context and purpose of your communication.

When is it appropriate to say something is "too broad"?

It's appropriate when a topic, definition, or claim encompasses so much that it becomes vague, unmanageable, or lacks practical application. For instance, "The project's initial scope was "too broad", so we needed to narrow it down to achieve realistic goals."