a general assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a broad statement or claim that is not specific to a particular instance or example. Example: "In academic writing, it is important to support a general assertion with evidence and examples to strengthen your argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Nevertheless, there was a general assertion that God should be included in the definition of science by the majority of students (64.4%), indicating a misunderstanding of the nature of science.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

In combination with a general assertion that marine environments offer few physical barriers to dispersal this has often lead to the assumption that protist populations may be genetically homogeneous over large spatial distances [4].

Plosone

A general assertion is that for ACh to be significantly implicated in cognitive tasks, these tasks must be difficult and require effortful attention [ 11, 59].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Mr. Bush mentioned that plan only in passing, in the context of a fairly general assertion of his belief that his agenda, priorities and attitude of compassion should appeal to minority voters who had perhaps been suspicious of Republicans in the past.

The New York Times

However, we challenge this notion with a new more general assertion that while biologically relevant genes may consistently behave in correlation with an associated phenotype across a population, it is even more likely that common pathways can be impacted through distinct gene events that are not reflected at the individual gene level across samples.

Plosone

"We found no evidence to challenge the general assertion that an IPO price greater than 350-360p could have been achieved and we accept that a decision to revise the range would have come with added uncertainty and risk.

BBC

One general assertion was that involuntary treatment was problematic and constituted an unwanted exception to standard care.

BMC Medical Ethics

[n11] But in Flast, the Court faced a different sort of constitutional claim, and found itself compelled to retreat from the general assertion in Frothingham that taxpayers have no interest in the disposition of their tax payments.

Cornell University

The general assertion that the restaurants in Cape May close for half the year was unfair since the inn is open through December and reopens in mid-Feb.

The New York Times

Without doubt cricket and its headline players remain far more recognisable in the community, but Gallop's general assertion remains accurate.

The Guardian - Sport

In making the general assertion that "billions of taxpayer dollars spent on green energy went to jobs in foreign countries," the ad cites as evidence $1.2 billion that went "to a solar company that's building a plant in Mexico".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making "a general assertion", always follow it with specific evidence or examples to support the claim and enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a general assertion" without providing sufficient context or evidence. Unsupported general statements can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general assertion" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a statement presented as a broad or overarching claim. The examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts where a broad claim is being discussed, supported, or challenged.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general assertion" is a phrase used to describe a broad statement or claim. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although relatively rare, its use is appropriate across various contexts including science, news, and academia. To effectively employ this phrase, ensure that you support the assertion with concrete evidence to enhance its credibility. Alternatives include "a broad claim" and "a sweeping statement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad claim

Focuses on the scope of the claim being made.

a sweeping statement

Emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the statement.

a universal declaration

Highlights the claim's intent to apply to all cases.

a blanket statement

Suggests the statement covers many things without specific details.

a widespread belief

Focuses on the general acceptance of the idea.

a common assumption

Emphasizes that the assertion is taken for granted by many.

a typical proposition

Highlights the assertion's commonality and typical nature.

a standard argument

Implies that the assertion is a conventional or well-established point.

an overarching principle

Emphasizes the assertion's role as a fundamental rule or guideline.

a prevalent notion

Highlights the widespread acceptance and currency of the assertion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a general assertion" in writing?

To effectively use "a general assertion", introduce it as a broad statement or claim, and then immediately follow it with specific examples, evidence, or data to substantiate your point. This strengthens your argument and provides context for the reader.

What are some alternatives to saying "a general assertion"?

You can use alternatives like "a broad claim", "a sweeping statement", or "a universal declaration" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide evidence after making "a general assertion"?

Yes, it is generally recommended. While not always explicitly required, supporting "a general assertion" with evidence enhances its persuasiveness and helps avoid the appearance of making unsubstantiated claims.

What's the difference between "a general assertion" and "a specific assertion"?

"A general assertion" is a broad statement that applies widely, while "a specific assertion" focuses on a particular instance or case. The former requires more supporting evidence due to its broader scope.