a sweeping assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that is broad, general, or lacking in nuance, often implying that it oversimplifies a complex issue. Example: "The politician's speech was filled with a sweeping assertion that all immigrants are a burden on society, which ignores the contributions many make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It began with a sweeping assertion: "Gov.

The New York Times

In nearly eight years in office, President Obama has sought to reshape the nation with a sweeping assertion of executive authority and a canon of regulations that have inserted the United States government more deeply into American life.

The Washington Post

WASHINGTON — In nearly eight years in office, President Obama has sought to reshape the nation with a sweeping assertion of executive authority and a canon of regulations that have inserted the United States government more deeply into American life.

The New York Times

So when I discovered on Aug. 19 that Paul Krugman's Op-Ed column that morning contained a sweeping assertion that was wrong in at least one respect, a formal correction was my sole concern.

The New York Times

Tuesday's historic arguments on Proposition 8 were, comparatively, a bit of a letdown for gay-rights proponents: the Justices seemed to regret taking the case, and to be far from a sweeping assertion that there was a constitutional right to marry.

The New Yorker

The 20-page letter offered a sweeping assertion of the powers of the presidency as well as a detailed and robust defense of Trump's actions in dealing with the unfolding Russia probe, including his firing of FBI Director James B. Comey in May 2017.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I broke with the Democrats because, under President Clinton, they seemed to have abandoned their traditional support for civil liberties: Clinton's 1996 Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act was, in many ways, a more sweeping assertion of government power than Bush's Patriot Act, which was really just about plugging some holes in the Clinton legislation.

The Guardian

They note that the president's action arose after Congress refused to change the law in line with his wishes, so the order rests on "an unprecedented, sweeping assertion of executive power," they say.

Los Angeles Times

"But it's not a sweeping statement".

The New York Times

The agency has often made hedged statements that avoid any sweeping assertions about attacks thwarted.

Huffington Post

He's certainly not being concise, since the six words between "Texting" and "is" serve only to muddle up a simple, if too sweeping, assertion.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sweeping assertion", ensure that the context provides sufficient evidence or support to avoid appearing overly general or unsubstantiated. If possible, refine the assertion with specific details.

Common error

Avoid making "a sweeping assertion" without considering potential counterexamples or nuances. Always acknowledge the complexities of the issue at hand to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping assertion" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" modifies the noun "assertion". It commonly describes a statement or declaration that is broad, generalized, and potentially lacking in specific details or support. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweeping assertion" is a noun phrase used to describe a broad and generalized statement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in various writing contexts. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, and encyclopedias, serving to critique or analyze arguments for being overly general or lacking specific support. While its register is generally neutral, careful usage is advised to ensure that the context provides sufficient evidence to support the assertion being described, or to avoid perpetuating overgeneralizations. Consider related phrases like "a broad declaration" or "a general claim" for alternative wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad declaration

Emphasizes the wide scope of the statement but uses the word "declaration" instead of "assertion".

a general claim

Focuses on the generality of the statement, using the term "claim" instead of "assertion".

a wide-ranging statement

Highlights the extent of the statement's coverage, using "wide-ranging" as a synonym for "sweeping".

an overreaching statement

Suggests the statement goes too far in its scope or implications.

a comprehensive pronouncement

Indicates a complete and thorough statement, replacing "assertion" with "pronouncement".

a sweeping generalization

Highlights the generalizing nature of the statement. It often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the statement is not entirely accurate.

a wholesale declaration

Emphasizes that the declaration encompasses a complete package.

a sweeping pronouncement

A formal, public, or official announcement that is very general.

a categorical statement

A statement made without exceptions or conditions.

an unqualified statement

A statement made without any reservations or limitations.

FAQs

What does "a sweeping assertion" mean?

It refers to a broad or general statement that may lack specific details or nuance. It can imply an oversimplification of a complex issue.

How can I use "a sweeping assertion" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician made "a sweeping assertion" about the economy, but it lacked supporting data." Alternatively, "Her "a sweeping assertion" about the company's future proved to be inaccurate."

What are some alternatives to "a sweeping assertion"?

Consider using phrases like "a general claim", "a broad declaration", or "a wide-ranging statement" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is it better to use "a sweeping assertion" or "a specific claim"?

It depends on the context. "A sweeping assertion" is suitable when describing a broad overview, while "a specific claim" is more appropriate when presenting detailed and substantiated information. Using "a specific claim" may lend more credibility.