broad claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad claim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are making a general, sweeping statement or opinion about a particular subject. For example, "The broad claim that music can have a positive effect on mental health is widely accepted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The broad claim seems innocuous.

The New York Times - Books

That's a pretty broad claim.

MIT Technology Review

Consider just one aspect or element of this broad claim.

University of California, Berkeley

SCO has for months made the broad claim that Linux included large chunks of copied Unix code.

The New York Times

As MPHJ has demonstrated, this is not very difficult when a patent holder is asserting a broad claim.

Harvard University

The most brazen example is its broad claim to energy reserves in the South China Sea that are also claimed by five other countries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Kahneman and Tversky were not given to broad claims.

The New York Times

"This pretty definitively concludes there's no basis to make broad claims".

The New York Times

"The problem is in the extent to which they make broad claims.

The New York Times

His administration then used wildly broad claims of state secrets to thwart any accountability for this immoral practice.

The New York Times

Even some of the manual's early advocates now think that the broad claims of reliability were exaggerated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add precision to your writing when dealing with a "broad claim", follow it up with specific examples or qualifications to avoid oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "broad claim" without providing context or nuance. A common mistake is to present a generality as a universal truth without acknowledging exceptions or limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad claim" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "broad" modifies the noun "claim". It is used to describe the nature of a statement or assertion, indicating its generality and wide scope. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad claim" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a general assertion or statement, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia and Science, indicating a neutral register. When employing "broad claim", it's crucial to provide supporting evidence and context to avoid oversimplification, this being one of the most common usage errors. Related phrases include "sweeping statement" and "general assertion", which offer similar meanings with subtle differences in connotation. Ludwig's analysis supports that this phrase serves to characterize a statement's generality, inviting scrutiny and demanding further justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sweeping statement

Implies a wide-ranging assertion, often lacking in specific details or nuance.

general assertion

Focuses on the generality of the statement, without necessarily implying negativity.

wide-ranging allegation

Suggests an accusation or assertion that covers many aspects or areas.

overarching argument

Highlights the main, dominant argument or point being made.

extensive contention

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the point being argued.

global pronouncement

Suggests a formal or official declaration that applies to a wide area or group.

blanket declaration

Implies a comprehensive and all-encompassing statement, often without exceptions.

inclusive affirmation

Highlights the aspect of including a lot of different cases in the same statement.

general proposition

Focuses on the proposition being applicable in most situations.

major premise

Highlights the logical aspect of a statement being the basis for a subsequent conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad claim" to describe a statement that is general and sweeping, such as, "The politician's "broad claim" that the economy is improving needs to be supported by data".

What are some synonyms for "broad claim"?

Alternatives to "broad claim" include "sweeping statement", "general assertion", or "overarching argument". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Whether to make a "broad claim" or a specific claim depends on the situation. A "broad claim" can be useful for introducing a general idea, but it's often necessary to follow up with specific claims to provide evidence and support your argument.

What makes a claim "broad"?

A claim is considered "broad" when it applies to a wide range of cases or situations without specific limitations or qualifications. It's a general statement that may not account for all the nuances or exceptions.