a sweeping term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a word or phrase that encompasses a broad range of meanings or applications, often lacking specificity. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is a sweeping term that can refer to environmental, economic, and social dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

By all accounts Mr. Obama still wants Democrats and Republicans to try yet again for a sweeping, long-term budget accord.

The New York Times

Just as the Republican takeover of Congress under Newt Gingrich preceded a sweeping second-term win for Bill Clinton, a sway toward the red this year could help insure a swing back toward the blue by 2012.

The New Yorker

Top Senate leaders were working Tuesday to finalize a sweeping long-term budget deal that would include a defense spending boost President Trump has long demanded alongside an increase in domestic programs championed by Democrats.

The Washington Post

The 2013 budget plan released Thursday is meant to help carry out a sweeping long-term austerity package outlined by Mr. Rajoy in July, which is aimed at reducing the central government's budget deficit by 65 billion euros, or $84 billion, over two and a half years.

The New York Times

At the time, the House had passed a sweeping late-term abortion ban with no exceptions for the life and health of the mother.

Huffington Post

That case has convinced some legal experts that the court would uphold the new orders, but Trump has repeatedly characterized his plans in sweeping terms: an entire class of people, rather than a single person, and an explicit preference for one religious group over another.

The Guardian

Obama's aides speak of a victory in November not in sweeping terms of realignment but simply as an opportunity to nudge Republicans away from a policy of pure obstructionism and toward some limited compromise around a few key issues.

The New Yorker

The challenge was cast in sweeping terms of a world split between freedom and repression.

The New York Times - Books

Diplomats said the resolution — which passed with 10 votes, including the United States, and abstentions from Russia, China, Germany, Brazil and India — was written in sweeping terms to allow for a wide range of actions, including strikes on air-defense systems and missile attacks from ships.

The New York Times

Dallas Fuel owner and CEO Mike Rufail spoke in grand, sweeping terms about that fact during a Tuesday phone interview.

The Washington Post

Almost a decade ago, regulators warned sunscreen makers about using sweeping terms like "all-day protection" and "waterproof," but those concerns never resulted in regulations.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sweeping term", ensure you provide clarifying context or examples to avoid ambiguity. Acknowledge the term's breadth and indicate how it applies to the specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a sweeping term" as a substitute for detailed analysis or specific language. Overusing broad terms can weaken your argument and leave your audience with an incomplete understanding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a sweeping term" is to act as a noun phrase that modifies another noun. It's used to describe a word or phrase characterized by its broad and general nature.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sweeping term" is grammatically correct and serves to describe a word or phrase with broad, generalized meanings. Given the lack of real-world examples available, it is difficult to assess its frequency across different contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, suggesting it follows conventional grammatical rules. When employing "a sweeping term", ensure clarity by providing additional context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a broad generalization" or "an umbrella term", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad generalization

Emphasizes the lack of specificity and potential for inaccuracy.

a general concept

Focuses on the abstract and non-specific nature of the idea.

a wide-ranging category

Highlights the extensive scope of the classification.

an all-encompassing phrase

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the expression.

an umbrella term

Implies a term that covers many different things.

a blanket statement

Suggests a statement that is overly general and potentially inaccurate.

a catch-all description

Indicates a description used to cover diverse items or situations.

a loose definition

Emphasizes the lack of precise boundaries.

a vague expression

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision.

a non-specific phrase

Directly points out the absence of detailed information.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sweeping term" to describe a word or phrase that encompasses a broad range of meanings or applications. For example, "The term 'sustainability' is "a sweeping term" that can refer to environmental, economic, and social dimensions."

What is an example of "a sweeping term"?

An example of "a sweeping term" is "processed foods". It's often used to describe anything that comes in a bag or a box, without differentiating between minimally processed and heavily processed items.

What can I say instead of "a sweeping term"?

You can use alternatives like "a broad generalization", "a general concept", or "an umbrella term" depending on the context.

What does it mean when a term is described as "sweeping"?

When a term is described as "sweeping", it means that it is broad, general, and covers a wide range of meanings or applications, often lacking specificity or precise definition.