blanket explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blanket explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a general or all-encompassing explanation that covers a wide range of situations or topics without going into specific details. Example: "The professor provided a blanket explanation of the theory, which helped the students understand the basic concepts before diving into the specifics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In any case, biologists are beginning to realize that cetaceans are behaviorally complex enough that a simple blanket explanation of mass stranding is not likely to be valid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This went beyond the vague blanket explanation of "disasters and natural causes" that North Korea provided two weeks ago when Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was visiting.

The New York Times

On a theoretical level, the ratchet analogy as blanket explanation for behavioural and cognitive evolution is critiqued.

Quaternary International

It is unlikely that a blanket explanation of sex-biased dispersal can explain multiple, if any divergences in the present case.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She knew that when Jackie realized that her blanket had disappeared, no explanation would satisfy.

The New York Times

All the Chinese reporters disappeared on Saturday morning, however, as the government, apparently nervous, suddenly imposed without explanation a blanket ban on domestic media coverage of the strike.

The New York Times

In the same memo, which broadened the suspension, Kizer offered no clear explanation for the blanket shutdown but said that administrators in Los Angeles had failed "to correct deficiencies in fiscal and personnel management" and had been "unresponsive" to probes by the VA's own investigators.

Science Magazine

These and similar observations in other model systems offer an explanation for why blanket antioxidant supplementation is not the therapeutic panacea that was once hoped.

Critical Care

If the Telegraph wants to be believed, it has to address each one, not with a blanket denial, but with a specific explanation.

The Guardian

Lawmakers have recently argued that the anti-drug crowd is losing the faith of teens because they pummel them with blanket statements instead of offering factual explanations about marijuana use and how to approach the drug responsibly.

Huffington Post

Instead, blanket causal statements are made without any further explanation.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blanket explanation" when you want to convey that an explanation is broad and covers many situations without going into specifics. It's particularly useful when critiquing oversimplified or generalized accounts.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on a "blanket explanation" when more detailed analysis is required. While it can provide a basic understanding, it often lacks the nuance needed for complex issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blanket explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe the type of explanation being offered or critiqued. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English and suggests a general description that covers a wide range of situations or topics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blanket explanation" is a noun phrase used to describe a broad, general explanation that lacks specific details. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. While grammatically sound, it's often used critically to highlight oversimplification. The phrase appears most frequently in news, scientific and encyclopedia contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "general explanation" or "overarching explanation" to refine your writing. Be mindful of avoiding overgeneralization when employing or critiquing "blanket explanation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general explanation

Focuses on the lack of specific details in the explanation.

overarching explanation

Emphasizes the broad and encompassing nature of the explanation.

comprehensive explanation

Suggests a thorough and complete account, although still broad.

broad explanation

Highlights the wide scope and lack of specific details.

sweeping explanation

Implies a wide-ranging explanation that might oversimplify the details.

catch-all explanation

Conveys the idea of an explanation designed to cover many possibilities.

universal explanation

Highlights that the explanation applies to all situations.

standard explanation

Refers to an explanation that is commonly accepted.

simplified explanation

Indicates a basic explanation, often lacking full complexity.

overall explanation

Similar to 'overarching', it stresses the comprehensive perspective.

FAQs

What does "blanket explanation" mean?

A "blanket explanation" is a general or all-encompassing explanation that covers a wide range of situations or topics without going into specific details.

When is it appropriate to use a "blanket explanation"?

It's appropriate when providing an initial overview or when specific details are not necessary. However, avoid using it when a more nuanced and detailed explanation is required.

What are some alternatives to "blanket explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "general explanation", "overarching explanation", or "comprehensive explanation" depending on the context.

How does a "blanket explanation" differ from a detailed explanation?

A "blanket explanation" offers a broad overview, whereas a detailed explanation delves into specifics, providing a more thorough understanding of the subject.