generic statement

USAGE SUMMARY

'generic statement' is a valid phrase in English, and it can be used to describe a statement that is widely applicable in a certain situation, as opposed to being specific.
For example, "The generic statement that 'time is a precious resource' is often used to motivate people to make the most of their day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

This generic statement only hints at what a blow Scudder's death is to the crime community.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps this was just a generic statement about American leadership and not actually an implicit criticism of Obama.

The New Yorker

So the best I can offer is a generic statement like, "I'm a little under the weather".

The New York Times

The commission is now pondering whether it can fix the problem by issuing a broad generic statement about the safety of storage in pools and dry casks or whether it will have to do a reactor-by-reactor review.

The New York Times

Ahmed al-Tayeb, the sheikh of al-Azhar, the centre of Sunni learning, issued a generic statement addressing Islamic teachings about the treatment of captives and then called for "crucifying and chopping the hands and feet" of Isis members.

The Guardian

Although appealing and right, this is a very generic statement.

Safety Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

First, in linguistics, a distinction is made between generic statements (i.e. generalizations that are made about entire categories of people or things, such as "girls wear pink") and non-generic statements (i.e. statements that are not generic, such as descriptions of specific individuals like "Mary wears pink;" see Cimpian & Erickson, 2012).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Her public statements after leaving office tend to focus on improving internal bureaucratic processes and generic statements of support for administration priorities, rarely drifting into significant criticism.

The Guardian

What's required are verified data on the impacts of the entire life cycle of the actual ingredients in their products, not generic statements.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many of the most-discussed names on the list are loathe to discuss the possibility publicly, instead staying silent or issuing brief, generic statements.

The New York Times

Sentences like "The paper reports... .. or "The authors describe... .. have to be avoided as well as any generic statements.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "generic statement", ensure it's followed by context to illustrate why the statement is considered generic. For example, 'The company issued a generic statement about customer satisfaction, failing to address specific concerns'.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a statement as "generic" without providing context or demonstrating why it lacks substance. Instead, illustrate the absence of detail or specificity to strengthen your critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generic statement" functions as a noun phrase where "generic" modifies "statement". It commonly describes a statement that lacks specificity or originality. Ludwig's AI confirms this usage, providing examples where the phrase is used to critique the lack of detail in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generic statement" is a commonly used phrase to describe declarations that lack specificity or originality. Ludwig's AI analysis shows that it functions as a noun phrase, frequently employed in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. The phrase's primary purpose is to critique the absence of detail, with a neutral tone. Related phrases include "broad statement" and "vague assertion", each sharing the implication of lacking precision. When using this term, it is crucial to provide context and specific examples to support your critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad statement

Indicates a statement that is wide-ranging and lacks specific details.

general remark

A comment that doesn't delve into specifics; more of an overview.

vague assertion

Implies the statement is unclear and lacks precision.

boilerplate statement

Suggests the statement is standard and unoriginal, used repeatedly without customization.

standard formulation

Refers to a conventional or typical way of expressing something.

common expression

An often-used phrase, possibly lacking originality in its context.

unoriginal declaration

Highlights the lack of novelty in the statement.

stock phrase

Suggests a ready-made or clichéd expression.

generalized comment

Indicates a lack of specific focus in the remark.

sweeping statement

Describes a statement that makes a broad claim without sufficient evidence or detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "generic statement" to describe a statement that is not specific or detailed, such as: "The politician gave a "generic statement" about the economy, failing to address the specifics of the crisis".

What is an alternative to saying "generic statement"?

Alternatives to "generic statement" include "broad statement", "vague assertion", or "boilerplate statement", each implying a lack of specificity or originality.

Is it better to use a "generic statement" or a specific one?

It depends on the context. A "generic statement" might be suitable for general communication, but a specific statement is often more effective when addressing particular issues or providing detailed information.

What's the difference between a "generic statement" and a "general statement"?

While similar, a "generic statement" often implies a lack of originality or specific application, whereas a "general statement" simply means it is not limited to a specific instance but may still be informative.