In the broad sense vs In a broad sense

Both "in the broad sense" and "in a broad sense" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "In the broad sense" is used when referring to a specific, well-defined broad sense. "In a broad sense" is used when speaking more generally or vaguely.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 25, 2025 • 6440 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific, well-defined broad sense.

"In the broad sense"

This phrase is used when discussing a particular interpretation or meaning that is broad and well-understood.

Examples:

In the broad sense, freedom can be seen as the ability to make choices without external constraints.
The term 'intelligence' in the broad sense encompasses various cognitive abilities.
Justice, in the broad sense, involves fairness and equality for all individuals.

Show examples from the web [+]

The faculty of language in the “narrow” sense (FLN) amounts to the recursive computational system alone, whereas the faculty in the broad sense (FLB) includes ...
in the broad sense的用法和样例： ... in the broad sense的海词问答与网友补充：. 提问补充. 我要提问我来补充. 让千万用户阅读到你编写的内容。
"In the Broad Sense". 10,850pages on this wiki. Edit · History. Comments5. Read in light or dark mode. There is something wrong with me. I cannot hide it ...
One aim of studying philosophy at Creighton is to convert this unarticulated outlook on life, this "philosophy" in the broad sense of the term, into a carefully ...

Alternatives:

in a broad sense
in a general sense
in a wide sense
in a broader context
from a broad perspective

This phrase is correct and commonly used when speaking more generally or vaguely.

"In a broad sense "

This phrase is used when discussing a concept or idea in a general or less specific manner.

Examples:

In a broad sense, education is the key to social progress.
The term 'culture' can be understood in a broad sense to include customs, traditions, and beliefs.
In a broad sense, happiness is often associated with fulfillment and contentment.

Show examples from the web [+]

In a broad sense · Ask in the forums yourself.Visit the Spanish-English Forum. Discussions in the English Only forum. See Google Translate's machine translation ...
'In a broad sense' found in translations in Russian-English dictionary ! в широком смысле. exp. in a broad sense. You want to reject this entry: please give us ...
(Un)Parsing in a Broad Sense Parsing in a Broad Sense. Having multiple representations of the same instance is common in software language engineering: ...
I want to measure 'knowledge' (in a broad sense, i.e. not topic related, but more overall knowledge) using a questionnaire. Any survey instrument? I would be ...

Alternatives:

in the broad sense
in a general sense
in a wide sense
in a broader context
from a broad perspective

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

In the broad sense vs In a broad sense

"In the broad sense"

"In a broad sense "

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text