broad assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a statement or claim that is general and lacks specificity or detail. Example: "The author's broad assertion that all technology is harmful overlooks the benefits it can provide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That is a broad assertion of executive authority that clearly left some justices uncomfortable.

The New York Times

He is rarely shy about the broad assertion, or about the perfect poison insult, delivered with a smile.

The New Yorker

In the first place, defendant's broad assertion that no California decision has held a school district liable for an off-school premises injury is simply inaccurate.

Harvard University

This patchwork approach has revealed a flexibility in the justice system but also what critics call an overly broad assertion of presidential authority.

The New York Times

That broad assertion of power, even with limits described by administration officials, combined with the initial White House refusal to release even a sanitized summary of the memo touched off protests from left and right.

The New York Times

Morsi's broad assertion of control came less than 24 hours after a diplomatic triumph in arranging the cease-fire in Gaza had given new credence to Morsi's international bona fides.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But he's still going out there and making broad assertions about what went down.

The Washington Post

Those broad assertions haven't quieted critics of Trump's notion of a blind trust.

The Guardian

But he declined, when asked, to make the same broad assertions about practices used over the last few years.

The New York Times

His teams of researchers use data from household surveys, election results and the like to give statistical substance to some broad assertions.

The Economist

"If Donald Trump were looking for someone who would be a green light to broad assertions of executive power, Neil Gorsuch is not that," Adler said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "broad assertion", ensure the context makes it clear that the statement lacks specific details. Follow it with evidence or analysis to support or refute the claim being made.

Common error

Avoid using "broad assertion" repeatedly in your writing without providing specific examples or analysis. Doing so can make your argument seem repetitive and weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad assertion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., "make a broad assertion") or the subject of a clause (e.g., "a broad assertion is made"). Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

17%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad assertion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a general and often unsubstantiated claim. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently encountered in News & Media and Academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the nature of the assertion being discussed, avoiding overuse without supporting examples or analysis. Consider alternatives like "general claim" or "sweeping statement" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general claim

Focuses on the generality of the statement.

sweeping statement

Emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the statement.

overarching statement

Highlights the comprehensive scope of the statement.

wide-ranging claim

Stresses the extensive coverage of the claim.

blanket statement

Suggests the statement is applied indiscriminately.

generalization

Refers to the act of making a general statement.

unsubstantiated claim

Implies the claim lacks supporting evidence.

unsupported assertion

Highlights the lack of backing for the assertion.

vague statement

Indicates a lack of clarity or precision in the statement.

inclusive statement

Emphasizes the statement contains all the aspects.

FAQs

What does "broad assertion" mean?

A "broad assertion" is a statement or claim that is general and lacks specific details or evidence. It covers a wide scope without being precise.

How can I use "broad assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "broad assertion" to describe a claim that is too general or lacks sufficient support. For example, "The argument relies on a "broad assertion" about the benefits of technology without providing specific data."

What are some alternatives to "broad assertion"?

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

Is it better to make a broad assertion or a specific claim?

Whether a broad assertion or a specific claim is better depends on the context. A broad assertion can be useful for introducing a topic or summarizing a general trend, while a specific claim is better for making a precise argument that can be supported by evidence.