a sweeping interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or general understanding of a concept, often implying that the interpretation may overlook specific details or nuances. Example: "The author's argument relies on a sweeping interpretation of the historical events, which may not account for the complexities involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But Trump's victory seems likely to restore the supreme court's pro-gun majority, which narrowly supported a sweeping interpretation of Americans' gun rights in a 5-4 ruling in the 2008 Heller case.

The Guardian

Justice Department officials, however, have resisted such a sweeping interpretation of the amendment.

Los Angeles Times

This artiCompaniesnally appeared on VICE US.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What the journalists find disturbing is that confidential information was leaked and that the prosecutor-general has adopted a sweeping political interpretation before the end of the investigation.

The Economist

While Apple strongly supports, and will continue to support, the efforts of law enforcement in pursuing criminals, the government's sweeping interpretation of the All Writs Act is plainly incorrect and provides no limit to the orders the government could obtain in the future.

TechCrunch

Mr. Chagnon, author of the best-selling 1968 study "Yanomami: A Fierce People," has long been criticized by his peers for just these kind of sweeping interpretations.

The New York Times

He was one of the last university professors of American history to reach readers outside the academy with sweeping interpretations of his own time.

The New Yorker

You write that Richard Hofstadter was one of the last historians to "reach readers outside the academy with sweeping interpretations both of the past and of his own time".

The New Yorker

A sociomedical scientist who studies sex, gender, and sexuality at Barnard College in New York City, Jordan-Young shes she doesn't think anyone should draw sweeping interpretations about innate differences between the sexes from this study.

Science Magazine

Colombia a year ago passed a sweeping asset-forfeiture bill.

The Economist

Outside, a sweeping mountain view.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sweeping interpretation", ensure the context clarifies whether the breadth is seen as insightful or overly simplistic. Acknowledge potential nuances that the interpretation might overlook to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a sweeping interpretation" as the only valid perspective. Recognize that other, more nuanced interpretations may also hold merit, especially when dealing with complex issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping interpretation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "interpretation". It is typically used to describe the nature or scope of an interpretation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweeping interpretation" is a phrase used to describe a broad or general understanding, often with the implication that details may be overlooked. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media contexts. While semantically valid, it is relatively rare. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the potential for overgeneralization and ensure the context clarifies whether the breadth is advantageous or overly simplistic. Alternatives such as "a broad understanding" or "a comprehensive interpretation" may be considered for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad understanding

Replaces "sweeping" with "broad", focusing on the extent of understanding.

a wide-ranging interpretation

Emphasizes the scope of the interpretation by using "wide-ranging".

a comprehensive interpretation

Highlights the completeness of the interpretation.

a generalized interpretation

Focuses on the general nature of the interpretation, lacking specific details.

an expansive interpretation

Stresses the large scope and inclusiveness of the interpretation.

a far-reaching interpretation

Highlights the extensive implications and consequences of the interpretation.

an overarching interpretation

Emphasizes that the interpretation covers or affects everything.

a grand interpretation

Suggests an interpretation of significant scale or ambition.

a wholesale interpretation

Suggests a complete and indiscriminate interpretation, without exceptions.

an extensive understanding

Replaces "interpretation" with "understanding", focusing on comprehension rather than formal explanation; sweeping is changed to extensive.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sweeping interpretation" to describe a broad or general understanding of something, often implying that it might lack specific details. For example, "The historian offered a sweeping interpretation of the war's causes."

What's the difference between "a sweeping interpretation" and "a narrow interpretation"?

"A sweeping interpretation" implies a broad, general understanding, while "a narrow interpretation" suggests a focus on specific details or a limited perspective.

What are some alternatives to using "a sweeping interpretation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a broad understanding", "a general interpretation", or "a comprehensive overview".

Is "a sweeping interpretation" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While "a sweeping interpretation" can sometimes imply oversimplification, it can also be useful for providing a high-level understanding of a complex topic. The context determines whether it's appropriate.