a blanket statement

USAGE SUMMARY

"a blanket statement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a generalization that applies to everything in a category or situation, typically a broad one that is not specific or detailed. For example: "It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of our new marketing plan - different approaches may work better for different demographics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's just sort of a blanket statement".

The New York Times

The year's too young to make such a blanket statement.

The New York Times

A: I don't think you can make a blanket statement.

The New York Times - Magazine

No other administration had ever issued such a blanket statement.

Cornell University

That's why no one can issue a blanket statement that extreme exercise is safe.

The New Yorker

"As a blanket statement don't avoid for-profit universities," he says.

The New York Times

Others locked down all data under a blanket statement like, "All data are sensitive.

University of California, Berkeley

"We can't make a blanket statement that employees are treated better here," Hee says.

The Guardian

The opening of the editorial begins with a blanket statement, a straightforward observation or a fact.

The New York Times

"A blanket statement like that borders on" — you guessed it — "socialism".

The New York Times

"To foreclose options by a blanket statement is not my preferred way of governing," Speaker Perez said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, clarify the context to show why a more detailed or nuanced approach would be more appropriate, especially in situations requiring precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a blanket statement" when you simply mean 'statement'. The phrase implies criticism of the statement's generality. If there's no intent to critique, use a more neutral term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a blanket statement" is as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It usually critiques a statement for being overly broad or lacking in nuance. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in this capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blanket statement" is a noun phrase used to describe a generalization, often with the implication that it's overly broad or simplistic. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and be mindful of its critical connotation. Alternatives like "sweeping generalization" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Therefore, when you want to highlight the potential inaccuracies of a broad claim, "a blanket statement" is an effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sweeping generalization

Emphasizes the broad and potentially inaccurate nature of the statement.

an oversimplified assertion

Highlights the lack of nuance and detail in the statement.

a broad declaration

Focuses on the wide-ranging scope of the statement.

a categorical pronouncement

Stresses the absolute and unqualified nature of the statement.

a catch-all phrase

Suggests the statement is used to cover a variety of situations without specific details.

a non-specific claim

Highlights the lack of detailed information in the statement.

a generalization

A more concise way to express a similar idea.

a universal declaration

Implies that the statement applies to all instances without exception.

a widespread belief

Indicates the statement reflects a common opinion or assumption.

a sweeping remark

Similar to a sweeping generalization, but may imply a more casual statement.

FAQs

How can I use "a blanket statement" in a sentence?

You can use "a blanket statement" to describe a broad, general assertion that may not be entirely accurate or appropriate in all cases. For example, "Saying that all politicians are corrupt is "a blanket statement" that ignores many honest individuals".

What are some alternatives to saying "a blanket statement"?

Alternatives include "sweeping generalization", "oversimplified assertion", or "broad declaration depending on the specific context".

Is it always negative to make "a blanket statement"?

While "a blanket statement" often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of nuance, it can sometimes be used neutrally to simply describe a general assertion, though it is generally more effective to follow up with detailed counter-arguments.

What's the difference between "a blanket statement" and a general statement?

"A blanket statement" typically implies a generalization that may be inaccurate or unfair due to its broadness. A general statement, on the other hand, is simply a broad statement that may still be accurate and useful within certain limits.