general assertions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general assertions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to broad statements or claims that are made without specific evidence or details. Example: "In academic writing, it is important to support your arguments with evidence rather than relying solely on general assertions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

General assertions were constructed using the computer-generated, three-way contingency table (Fienberg, 1977).

International Journal of STEM Education

Ferguson's general assertions about the comparative age of the generations were correct, though his claim that he played "two 18-year-olds, a 19-year-old, a 20-year-old and two 21-year-olds" in the 1-0 defeagainstnst Besiktas is not entirely right.

Independent

This suggests that some admissions may indeed be avoidable, although few studies have used hospital admission as an outcome measure [ 11], and generally "...the current evidence is too sparse to make general assertions that any form of intervention or treatment constitutes 'best practice'".

BMC Health Services Research

It was possible, of course, to find cascades of political polemic as well as overweening jargon, but in general, assertions tended to be more modulated and variations plentiful.

The New York Times - Arts

Having listened to many of his speeches in recent years I find that general assertions are rarely backed up by detailed prescriptions in relation to the dilemmas that Miliband now faces.

The Guardian

To quote a passage of some length and draw out its implications so that each word gives an account of itself; to support general assertions with the particulars of evidence; to attend to the shifts of the meaning of a single word or a phrase over time the improvement of these skills forms an essential part of the curriculum in English.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The general assertion that the restaurants in Cape May close for half the year was unfair since the inn is open through December and reopens in mid-Feb.

The New York Times

Without doubt cricket and its headline players remain far more recognisable in the community, but Gallop's general assertion remains accurate.

The Guardian - Sport

In making the general assertion that "billions of taxpayer dollars spent on green energy went to jobs in foreign countries," the ad cites as evidence $1.2 billion that went "to a solar company that's building a plant in Mexico".

The New York Times

[n11] But in Flast, the Court faced a different sort of constitutional claim, and found itself compelled to retreat from the general assertion in Frothingham that taxpayers have no interest in the disposition of their tax payments.

Cornell University

Nevertheless, he accepted Colorado's general assertion that the District was not as efficient as other reclamation projects and concluded that New Mexico's inefficient use should not be charged to Colorado.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general assertions", ensure they serve as introductions or summaries, and always follow them with specific evidence or examples to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid building entire arguments solely on "general assertions". Always provide detailed evidence, data, and analysis to substantiate your claims and avoid accusations of superficiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general assertions" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to broad statements that may lack specific details or supporting evidence. As shown by Ludwig, the correctness of "general assertions" makes it usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general assertions" refers to broad statements or claims that lack specific details or supporting evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While frequently found in science, news, and academic contexts, these assertions require substantiation to be credible. Avoid relying solely on "general assertions" without providing concrete evidence or examples. Related phrases such as "broad claims" or "sweeping statements" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Remember to support your arguments with detailed evidence rather than relying on potentially vague or unsubstantiated statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generalized statements

Highlights the act of generalizing from specific instances.

broad claims

Focuses on the scope of the claim, suggesting a wide-ranging statement.

sweeping statements

Implies a lack of nuance or detail in the assertion.

blanket statements

Implies a statement that applies to all cases without exception.

vague statements

Highlights the lack of clarity or specificity in the assertion.

overarching claims

Focuses on the claim's dominance or its role as a central argument.

unsubstantiated claims

Emphasizes the absence of supporting evidence for the assertion.

unsupported statements

Similar to 'unsubstantiated claims', but with a slightly broader scope.

high-level assertions

Emphasizes the abstract or theoretical nature of the claims.

abstract claims

Stresses the theoretical and non-concrete nature of the claims.

FAQs

How can I effectively incorporate "general assertions" into my writing?

Use "general assertions" as starting points or summaries, but always back them up with concrete evidence and specific examples. Think of them as introductions to more detailed arguments.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "general assertions"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "broad claims", "sweeping statements", or "vague statements". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "general assertions" always negative in academic writing?

Not necessarily. "General assertions" can be useful for setting the stage or summarizing complex topics. However, they should always be supported by detailed evidence to avoid being seen as unsubstantiated or superficial.

How do I avoid making weak or easily disproven "general assertions"?

Thoroughly research your topic, gather ample evidence, and carefully consider potential counterarguments before making any "general assertions". Ensure your claims are reasonable and defensible.