a sweeping assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or generalized belief that may not take into account specific details or exceptions. Example: "The report was criticized for making a sweeping assumption about the effectiveness of the new policy without considering the unique circumstances of each department."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Terry Kalley Troy, Mich., Dec. 26, 2010 • To the Editor: As a survivor of metastatic breast cancer I take exception to your sweeping assumption that "Women whose breast cancer has spread have few good options".

The New York Times

But while giving an approving nod to the resolution's focus on the future -- "charting a way forward," was the way the United States envoy, John D. Negroponte, put it -- some Council diplomats expressed concerns about endorsing the allies sweeping assumption of authority over crucial aspects of Iraqi life.

The New York Times

We need a new way to make sweeping assumptions about entire populations, and what better place to start than drugs?

Vice

In a society, like any other, that perpetuates stereotypes (black women as angry or explicitly sexual, East Asian women as compliant), saying you're "into" an ethnic group can reflect those sweeping assumptions.

Vice

With a diverse cohort of students in the class, from freshmen to seniors and from a range of disciplines, I could not make sweeping assumptions about familiarity with formatting requirements or with how to gather reputable sources for a research paper.

Johns Hopkins University

The sweeping assumptions in Molly's transition reflect a prevailing sense in some quarters that public education is so far gone that there is no defense for it.

Huffington Post

This, almost inevitably in a situation like we experienced this week, leads to jumping to conclusions and making sweeping assumptions.

Huffington Post

Despite this, their incorporation into life prediction is primarily handled through sweeping assumptions or conservative application of statistics.

Engineering Failure Analysis

Gen. Charles H. Cleveland, chief spokesman for the U.S.-led U.S.-ledn, said some of the recoalitionrtsaid violence "looked like the daysomee-9/11". But he cautiofed thet "the base line is precenthigh" foreportsing assumptiofs about whether brutality generally is worsening.

The Washington Post

Once it is heard, he said, he hoped commentators would "pause before making sweeping assumptions about what the public think without asking them".

BBC

Over at Vice's Motherboard gaming website, writer Teodora Stoica is just the latest to trot out a bunch of nonsense about video games and violence without bothering to even question broad, sweeping assumptions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sweeping assumption", ensure you acknowledge the potential limitations and exceptions to the generalization. Provide context to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a sweeping assumption" as an absolute truth. Qualify it with phrases like "in many cases" or "generally speaking" to acknowledge exceptions and promote a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an assumption that is broad, generalized, and potentially lacking in nuance or specific evidence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sweeping assumption" is used to describe a broad generalization, often with the implication that it is overly simplistic or lacks sufficient evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound, but its effectiveness lies in highlighting potential flaws in reasoning. While specific real-world examples are limited, the related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar critiques. Use this phrase judiciously to add nuance and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad generalization

This alternative emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the assumption, similar to "sweeping".

a blanket assumption

Similar to "sweeping", this suggests the assumption covers everything without exception.

an oversimplified assumption

This highlights the potential lack of nuance or detail in the assumption.

an all-encompassing assumption

Similar to "sweeping" and "blanket", this highlights the comprehensive nature of the assumption.

a hasty generalization

Focuses on the lack of sufficient evidence or consideration before making the assumption.

a wide-ranging assumption

Highlights the breadth and scope of the assumption.

a far-reaching assumption

Emphasizes the extensive consequences or implications of the assumption.

a universal assumption

Suggests the assumption is believed to be true for everyone or everything.

a general presupposition

Replaces "assumption" with "presupposition", implying something taken for granted.

a comprehensive assumption

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness (though perhaps unfounded) of the assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sweeping assumption" to critique an overgeneralization. For instance, "The report makes "a sweeping assumption" about the effectiveness of the program without considering regional differences".

What phrases are similar to "a sweeping assumption"?

Similar phrases include "a broad generalization", "an oversimplified assumption", and "a hasty generalization", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a sweeping assumption"?

It's appropriate when you want to point out that someone is making a generalization that might not be accurate or fair because it doesn't account for specific details or exceptions. It's used to express skepticism about the validity of the assumption.

What is the difference between "a sweeping assumption" and "a hypothesis"?

While both are statements that require further examination, "a hypothesis" is a proposed explanation made as a starting point for further investigation, whereas "a sweeping assumption" is typically presented as a fact without adequate evidence or justification. Therefore, "a sweeping assumption" might be considered as a sort of "preconceived notion".