Guide 164 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “across the board”
A horse-racing term (covering win, place, and show bets) now meaning "in every category."
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
Useful shorthand, but often smuggled in to avoid counting. "Every team," "all regions," "without exception" commit to the claim the board is hiding.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
Sales grew across the board.
After
Sales grew in every region and product line.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01In every category neutral
be specific
Sales grew in every category.
- 02Without exception formal
universal claim
Sales grew without exception.
- 03Uniformly formal
equal magnitude
Costs rose uniformly.
- 04Overall neutral
aggregate only
Sales grew overall.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
Name the board.