a broad generalization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad generalization" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to an assumption or hypothesis about a group or category of things, often involving a statement that does not consider individual differences within the group. For example, "It is a broad generalization to say that all teenagers are irresponsible, but in my experience, the ones I have known have not been very organized or reliable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

His reference to "the next generation of theologians" is certainly a broad generalization.

Huffington Post

A broad generalization, of course.

The New York Times

Most independent analysts of the military here agree with this as a broad generalization.

The New York Times

Others warn that a broad generalization about the ill treatment of domestic labor in Indian homes, based on this case alone, is incorrect.

The New York Times

The report, in fact, does not conclude that the E.P.A. was wrong in saying, one week after the attack, that the air in Lower Manhattan was "safe to breathe," but only that the scientific underpinning was inadequate, at that moment, for such a broad generalization.

The New York Times

As a broad generalization, most of those talking the loudest about retrenchment and confrontation are in the activist wing of the party; they're the death-before-taxes conservatives or the picket-abortion-clinics conservatives or the online conservatives who incline, like their liberal counterparts, toward ideological purity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A broader generalization of this phenomenon may operate in our scientific culture to enhance careers of successful white scientists but diminish recognition of the contributions of others.

Science Magazine

In establishing these results, the rather restrictive assumption that no more than a single particle can be identified of a given state made in the earlier paper [1] has been relaxed so that a broader generalization has been obtained.

Chemical Engineering Science

Even though the total number of cases (359) is significant to the population (1035 students) and it allowed robust statistical analysis, it is still a small number to provide a broader generalization.

Journal of Big Data

Even though adequate controls for the role of most of the potentially relevant perceptual properties are already present in the literature for both species (Tables 1 and 2), future studies may be devoted to the simultaneous control of these factors, allowing for a broader generalization of results.

Plosone

The cross-sectional and correlational analyses preclude a broader generalization of how medical students in the United States and globally frame negative responses to gay men, and does not characterize their perceptions of lesbians, bisexual or transgender people, or intersex persons.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide specific examples to support "a broad generalization", but also acknowledge counterexamples to demonstrate a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a broad generalization" as an absolute truth. Recognize that generalizations inherently simplify complex realities and may not apply to all individuals or situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad generalization" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a statement or idea that applies generally, as seen in Ludwig's analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad generalization" is a noun phrase used to describe a general statement or assumption that applies to a wide group or category. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly news, media, and science. While helpful for introducing general concepts, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations and potential inaccuracies inherent in such statements. Employ qualifiers and support with specific examples to avoid overgeneralization and maintain a balanced perspective. Related phrases like "a sweeping generalization" or "a general statement" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sweeping generalization

Replaces "broad" with "sweeping", emphasizing the wide-ranging nature of the statement.

a wide generalization

Synonymous substitution of "broad" with "wide", with minimal semantic change.

an overgeneralization

Indicates that the generalization is excessive or unwarranted.

a large generalization

Emphasizes the scope or scale of the generalization.

a far-reaching generalization

Highlights the extensive implications or consequences of the generalization.

a general statement

A more neutral term, lacking the potentially negative connotation of "broad".

a simplistic generalization

Indicates the generalization lacks nuance or complexity.

a common generalization

Suggests the generalization is frequently made or widely accepted.

a rough generalization

Suggests the generalization is approximate and may not be entirely accurate.

a loose generalization

Implies the generalization is not strictly defined or supported by evidence.

FAQs

What does "a broad generalization" mean?

It refers to a statement that applies generally to a large group or category, often without considering specific details or exceptions. It can be a useful starting point, but it's important to recognize its limitations.

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

You can use it to introduce a general idea or observation, for example: "A broad generalization about college students is that they often struggle with time management."

What's the difference between "a broad generalization" and "an overgeneralization"?

While both involve making general statements, "an overgeneralization" implies that the statement is excessively broad and likely inaccurate or unfair. It is often considered a logical fallacy, whereas "a broad generalization" can be a more neutral term.

What are some alternatives to "a broad generalization"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "a sweeping generalization", "a general statement", or "a common assumption".