blanket argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"blanket argument" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a broad-based argument covering all aspects of an issue. For example: "My colleague's blanket argument failed to address the specific nuances of the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And no, misogynists, you can't make the blanket argument that working dads have more important careers, balancing out the inequities at home.

Huffington Post

The problems arise when he tries to advance a blanket argument as to why the process he describes should lead us to cease eating meat altogether, even though he claims the book is not an argument for vegetarianism.

The Guardian - Books

What is particularly jarring, at least for some, is the blanket argument that football is so riddled with cynically violent play and wholesale cheating that making a special case against the animalistic impact of biting a fellow adult is to lose any sense of perspective.

Independent

In addition, using human dignity as a blanket argument against all forms of human cloning makes it much more difficult to reflect rationally on the true risks and benefits of the technology.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As we've learned from self-managing teams, blanket arguments for or against broadly applying the principles of self-management miss an important point: Most organizations, particularly large corporations, should adopt these techniques in part, not in whole.

Harvard Business Review

The question that arises for those unswayed by blanket arguments against haecceitism is to determine which putative haecceitistic differences between possibilities are to be admitted.

SEP

I realize this is a loaded statement that has been quite misused to blanket the argument.

Huffington Post

Given Sessions's blanket statement that he didn't have any communications with the Russians, this argument seems like a stretch.

The New Yorker

Defenders of this blanket prohibition offer arguments that range from the moral (torture degrades and corrupts the society that allows it) to the practical (people will say anything under torture so the information they provide is unreliable anyway).The September 11th attacks have not driven any rich democracy to reverse itself and make torture legal.

The Economist

The argument for blanket de-regulation in this country traditionally hinges on three subtle errors of judgment: confusion over what kind of freedom the U.S. Constitution is designed to protect; confusion over what constitutes a genuine public health risk; and confusion over the relationship between Christian values and free market capitalism.

Huffington Post

The administration also disclosed plans to blanket the country with its argument for deep tax cuts on Tuesday, the federal tax-filing deadline, by sending cabinet secretaries and lower-ranking officials to appearances in 10 states.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blanket argument" when you want to criticize an argument for being overly broad and lacking nuance. Make sure to provide specific examples of why the argument fails to account for complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "blanket argument" repeatedly in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "sweeping generalization" or "broad assertion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blanket argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a type of argument that is broad and unspecific. It often implies a criticism of the argument's lack of nuance or detail. Ludwig AI validates this use, showing various examples where it serves to characterize the nature of an argument.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blanket argument" is used to describe a broad and sweeping assertion that often lacks nuance and specific details. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to critique arguments for being overly general. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Scientific contexts, indicating its use in analytical and critical discussions. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples to support your critique and avoid overusing it in your writing to maintain clarity and engagement. Consider using alternatives like "sweeping generalization" or "broad assertion" to add variety to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blanket statement

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the statement, similar to the original phrase.

sweeping generalization

Focuses on the breadth and lack of nuance in the statement.

broad assertion

Emphasizes the wide scope of the claim being made.

overarching claim

Highlights that the claim covers many aspects of an issue.

general statement

Indicates the argument lacks specific details.

wholesale argument

Implies a complete and unrestricted application of the argument.

universal argument

Suggests the argument is intended to apply to all cases.

comprehensive argument

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the argument.

all-inclusive argument

Emphasizes that the argument leaves nothing out.

broad-spectrum argument

Implies the argument covers a wide range of related issues.

FAQs

What does "blanket argument" mean?

A "blanket argument" refers to a broad and sweeping assertion that doesn't account for specific details or nuances. It's often used to criticize an argument for being overly general.

How can I use "blanket argument" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician's "blanket argument" about tax cuts ignored the economic realities faced by low-income families."

What can I say instead of "blanket argument"?

Alternatives include "sweeping generalization", "broad assertion", or "overarching claim". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is a "blanket argument" a strong way to persuade someone?

Generally, no. "Blanket arguments" are often seen as weak because they lack specificity and fail to address counterarguments. A more persuasive approach involves presenting detailed evidence and addressing potential objections.