blanket statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blanket statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a generalization that applies to a group or situation without considering individual differences or exceptions. Example: "His comment about all teenagers being irresponsible was a blanket statement that ignored the many responsible young people out there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's just sort of a blanket statement".

The New York Times

The year's too young to make such a blanket statement.

The New York Times

A: I don't think you can make a blanket statement.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's an unfair blanket statement that will upset people.

The Guardian - Film

That's why no one can issue a blanket statement that extreme exercise is safe.

The New Yorker

"As a blanket statement don't avoid for-profit universities," he says.

The New York Times

The opening of the editorial begins with a blanket statement, a straightforward observation or a fact.

The New York Times

"A blanket statement like that borders on" — you guessed it — "socialism".

The New York Times

Yesterday, a provocative tweet by Michael Nordine, asking: Blanket statement: Italian neorealism > French New Wave.

The New Yorker

"To foreclose options by a blanket statement is not my preferred way of governing," Speaker Perez said.

The New York Times

This is simply untrue as a blanket statement, and it obscures a more troubling and complex reality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blanket statement" when you want to critique a generalization that doesn't account for individual differences or exceptions. It's suitable when pointing out the flaws in broad assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "blanket statement" excessively in formal academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the type and extent of the generalization you are critiquing to provide a more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blanket statement" functions as a noun phrase often used to describe a statement or generalization that is overly broad and doesn't account for specific details or exceptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blanket statement" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an overly broad generalization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in contexts like News & Media, Science, and Wiki, serving to criticize or question claims that lack nuance. While "blanket statement" is acceptable in many situations, it's wise to consider more precise language in highly formal contexts. Alternatives like "sweeping generalization" or "overgeneralization" can offer similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blanket declaration

Similar to "blanket statement", but implies a more formal or official pronouncement.

blanket pronouncement

Like "blanket declaration", suggesting an authoritative or formal declaration.

sweeping generalization

Implies a generalization that may not be entirely accurate due to its broad nature.

broad generalization

Similar to "sweeping generalization", but places more emphasis on the breadth of the statement.

overgeneralization

Suggests a generalization that extends beyond what is reasonable or supportable by evidence.

general statement

A simple, less critical way to describe a wide-ranging statement.

universal statement

Indicates a statement meant to apply to every instance or member of a group.

all-encompassing statement

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the claim, suggesting it leaves nothing out.

across-the-board statement

Emphasizes the uniform application of the statement to everything within a certain category.

categorical statement

Presents the statement as absolute and without exception.

FAQs

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

You can use "blanket statement" to critique a generalization. For instance, "Saying all teenagers are irresponsible is a "blanket statement" that ignores many responsible young people".

What's a good alternative to "blanket statement"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "sweeping generalization", "broad generalization", or "overgeneralization".

When is it appropriate to use the term "blanket statement"?

Use "blanket statement" when you want to point out that a statement is too general and doesn't account for individual differences or exceptions. It's often used to express disagreement or critique.

Is there a difference between a "blanket statement" and a "general statement"?

While both terms refer to wide-ranging claims, "blanket statement" often carries a more critical connotation, implying the statement is overly broad and potentially inaccurate. A "general statement" is simply a broad claim without necessarily implying fault.