broad generalization

USAGE SUMMARY

"broad generalization" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement that is too broad and oversimplifies a complex concept. For example, "His broad generalization about the causes of poverty did not consider the many underlying social issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I don't think it's necessarily specific to a general, broad generalization of a full outlet at times," Sanders replied.

Huffington Post

His reference to "the next generation of theologians" is certainly a broad generalization.

Huffington Post

A broad generalization?

The New York Times - Food

A broad generalization, of course.

The New York Times

But no such broad generalization can be accepted.

Cornell University

Most independent analysts of the military here agree with this as a broad generalization.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I'm making some broad generalizations here, but in general, you would not have been incarcerated before.

Cornell University

He now collects Broad Generalizations or Sweeping Statements.

The New Yorker

Until then, these broad generalizations need to be contextualized.

The New York Times

"You can't make broad generalizations," Dr. Brodsky said.

The New York Times

Ashcroft approaches issues in broad generalizations — more in the manner of a politician than a lawyer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Whenever you use "broad generalization", consider it an opportunity to specify and use something more concrete instead.

Common error

Avoid treating a "broad generalization" as an absolute truth. Recognize that it simplifies complex realities and may not apply in all situations. Always consider exceptions and nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad generalization" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating it's grammatically sound and appropriate for use in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad generalization" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe statements that lack specificity and are overly general. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations and consider providing more detailed context to avoid potential misunderstandings. Alternatives like "sweeping statement" or "overgeneralization" may be used depending on the intended nuance. Always avoid treating a "broad generalization" as an absolute truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sweeping statement

Emphasizes the extent and potential inaccuracy of the generalization.

Overgeneralization

Highlights the act of generalizing beyond what is justified by the evidence.

Generalized claim

Focuses on the assertion being made and its lack of specificity.

General statement

A more neutral term for a statement that lacks specifics.

Broad statement

Similar to "general statement", but emphasizes the wide scope of the statement.

Oversimplification

Highlights the reduction of complexity in the statement.

Loose generalization

Emphasizes the lack of rigor or precision in the generalization.

Hasty generalization

Indicates a conclusion reached without sufficient evidence.

Unsubstantiated claim

Highlights the lack of evidence supporting the general statement.

Unfounded assertion

Suggests the generalization is based on little or no factual basis.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad generalization" to describe a statement that applies to a wide range of cases but lacks specific details. For example, "Saying all teenagers are addicted to social media is a "broad generalization" because many use it responsibly".

What is a synonym for "broad generalization"?

Alternatives to "broad generalization" include "sweeping statement", "overgeneralization", or "general statement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use a "broad generalization"?

A "broad generalization" can be useful for providing a basic understanding of a topic or for initiating a discussion, but it should always be followed by more specific details or qualifications to avoid misunderstandings or inaccuracies.

What's the difference between "broad generalization" and "stereotype"?

While both involve making general statements, a "broad generalization" is a general statement that may have some basis in reality, whereas a stereotype is often an oversimplified and often negative belief about a particular group of people.