a sweeping claim

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sweeping claim" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a broad, ambitious statement that encompasses a lot of information. For example: "The politician made a sweeping claim that her policies would improve the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That's a sweeping claim, and one that scientists would dispute.

The New York Times - Books

Moreover, they misidentify that cause: it is not poverty as such, but inequality.It is a sweeping claim, yet the evidence, here painstakingly marshalled, is hard to dispute.

The Economist

Cohen said Trump likes to give orders by making a sweeping claim — then asking a question that's not really a question, per se.

The Washington Post

Clinton makes a sweeping claim that a "number of studies" show that veterans who received medical care at the VA were satisfied with the treatment.

The Washington Post

Conjuring up a hypothetical Supreme Court justice ruling in a hypothetical case is simply not enough for such a sweeping claim.

The Washington Post

This is not to suggest their work is not rigorous and honest, only to point out that as a single source for a sweeping claim of environmental benefits it might be considered weak.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Rafferty makes an extraordinarily sweeping claim: "There is virtually nothing of value to be learned from the Cuban movies of the last 50 years, most of which adhere to the dreary Stalinist aesthetic of socialist realism".

The New York Times

That's why this review is somewhat long, as it's an attempt to back up such a broad and sweeping claim.

Vice

"Trump is doing this not for national security reasons but to impede an investigation into himself and his associates, and he's staking a far more sweeping claim to power than even other presidents by saying he can use the Justice Department for whatever he wants," Mr. Kris said.

The New York Times

Yet Mahçupyan provides no concrete evidence for this sweeping claim and turns a blind eye to the vast literature, academic or non-academic, detailing the plight of the minorities under successive governments.

Huffington Post

Early in Joseph W. Polisi's book "American Muse: The Life and Times of William Schuman" (2008) he cites a sweeping critical claim about his subject, the American composer and educator whose centennial is being celebrated this year.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sweeping claim", ensure you provide sufficient evidence or context to support the assertion, as broad statements can be easily challenged or misinterpreted.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a sweeping claim" without specific examples or qualifications. Overgeneralizations can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility. Always provide concrete evidence to support your broad statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping claim" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It often describes a broad or general statement that may require further examination or support. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sweeping claim" is a versatile and commonly used term to describe a broad, all-encompassing statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent use in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide supporting evidence and avoid overgeneralization to maintain credibility. Related phrases such as "a broad assertion" and "a general statement" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with subtle differences in emphasis. In essence, understanding the connotations and contexts of "a sweeping claim" can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad assertion

Focuses on the assertive nature of the statement but emphasizes its breadth.

a general statement

Emphasizes the lack of specificity in the claim.

an overreaching generalization

Highlights the potential for the claim to be too broad and potentially inaccurate.

an all-encompassing declaration

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the statement.

a wide-ranging allegation

Implies a potentially controversial or unproven statement covering a large scope.

a grandiose pronouncement

Suggests the claim is overly ambitious and possibly exaggerated.

a wholesale assertion

Emphasizes that the claim is made without exceptions or qualifications.

an expansive contention

Highlights the extensive scope and debatable nature of the claim.

a comprehensive statement

Focuses on the claim's thoroughness and completeness.

an ambitious claim

Underlines the challenging and far-reaching aspect of the statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a sweeping claim" in my writing?

To use "a sweeping claim" effectively, ensure you provide sufficient evidence and context to support the broad assertion. Acknowledge potential limitations or counterarguments to maintain credibility.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a sweeping claim"?

You can use alternatives like "a broad assertion", "a general statement", or "an overreaching generalization" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to make "a sweeping claim" or a more specific statement?

The choice between "a sweeping claim" and a more specific statement depends on your purpose and audience. Sweeping claims can be impactful but require strong support, while specific statements are more easily substantiated but may lack broader significance.

What makes "a sweeping claim" different from a simple statement?

"A sweeping claim" implies a broad, encompassing statement that covers a wide range of cases or situations. Unlike a simple statement, it asserts something general or universal, often requiring substantial evidence to justify its scope.