a generic statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generic statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or non-specific assertion that applies to a wide range of situations or subjects. Example: "The author made a generic statement about the importance of teamwork, which could apply to various fields."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Perhaps this was just a generic statement about American leadership and not actually an implicit criticism of Obama.

The New Yorker

So the best I can offer is a generic statement like, "I'm a little under the weather".

The New York Times

The officials said they expected Trump would make a generic statement about Jerusalem's status as the "capital of Israel".

The Guardian

Ahmed al-Tayeb, the sheikh of al-Azhar, the centre of Sunni learning, issued a generic statement addressing Islamic teachings about the treatment of captives and then called for "crucifying and chopping the hands and feet" of Isis members.

The Guardian

This post was edited on 9/19/18 to change a direct quote to a generic statement.

Forbes

There are no details about how the breach happened at this point, with Wonga saying only on its website that it is "urgently working to establish further details" and making a generic statement about the rise of "increasingly sophisticated" cyberattacks.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Although appealing and right, this is a very generic statement.

Safety Science

The commission is now pondering whether it can fix the problem by issuing a broad generic statement about the safety of storage in pools and dry casks or whether it will have to do a reactor-by-reactor review.

The New York Times

If you don't know the answer, you won't be able to follow the next step, and Peter will answer with a very generic statement like "You shall not doubt of me at all, keep trusting on me and soon I'll answer".

WikiHow

Sentences like "The paper reports... .. or "The authors describe... .. have to be avoided as well as any generic statements.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

When it comes to retirement planning and building up the proverbial "nest-egg," there are few pieces of advice more universally accepted than "save as much as possible as early as possible". Certainly, taking such action is often one of the best ways to grow your retirement savings, but like nearly all generic statements about how "you" should plan for retirement, there are exceptions to the rule.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, avoid using "a generic statement". Instead, strive to provide specific details and context to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid substituting specifics with "a generic statement" as a way to appear knowledgeable, because it often makes your writing seem uninformed and lacking in substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generic statement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject in a sentence. As Ludwig highlights, it describes a statement lacking specific details.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generic statement" is a noun phrase used to describe an assertion lacking in specificity. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, albeit carrying a somewhat negative connotation, implying a lack of detail or originality. While commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it's important to consider more precise language when detail matters. Alternatives such as "a general statement" or "a broad statement" may serve as substitutes, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general statement

Replaces "generic" with "general", emphasizing the lack of specificity.

a broad statement

Substitutes "generic" with "broad", highlighting the wide scope of the statement.

a vague statement

Replaces "generic" with "vague", stressing the lack of clarity or precision.

an unspecific remark

Uses "unspecific" and "remark" to convey the lack of detail in the comment.

a commonplace assertion

Highlights the ordinariness or lack of originality in the statement.

a run-of-the-mill declaration

Emphasizes the common and unremarkable nature of the statement.

a boilerplate announcement

Indicates the statement is standard and pre-prepared, often lacking personalization.

a cookie-cutter pronouncement

Implies the statement is formulaic and lacks individual thought.

a stock saying

Highlights the conventional and predictable nature of the statement.

a platitude

A trite or meaningless statement, often used for its perceived wisdom.

FAQs

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

You can use "a generic statement" to describe an assertion that lacks specifics or details. For example, "The company released "a generic statement" about their commitment to sustainability without providing any concrete plans".

What are some alternatives to using "a generic statement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a general statement", "a broad statement", or "a vague statement" to convey a similar meaning.

What does it mean when something is described as "a generic statement"?

When something is described as "a generic statement", it typically means that it's a non-specific or generalized assertion that lacks detailed information or unique characteristics.

Is there a negative connotation associated with using "a generic statement"?

Yes, using "a generic statement" often carries a negative connotation because it suggests a lack of specificity, originality, or commitment to providing substantial information.