sweeping argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or general argument that covers a wide range of issues or points, often lacking in specificity. Example: "The author's sweeping argument about climate change fails to address the nuances of local environmental policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Such are the perils of his sloppily constructed sweeping argument.

The New York Times - Books

However persuasive this rather sweeping argument might sound in Williamsburg or London, it made little impression on the French officers.

The New York Times - Books

Leaving aside that far more people voted for Clinton than Donald Trump (an inconvenient truth for any sweeping argument about why Clinton lost), the real issue is not that Clinton lost the election.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even the appeals court seemed torn, and it rejected the government's sweeping argument that the courts have no role in reviewing the government's designation of an American citizen as an enemy combatant.

The New York Times

He portrayed it as "a sweeping argument against judicial review of targeted killing decisions".

The New York Times

Greatly surprising Mr. Gillespie and his colleagues, the court, in an opinion written by Louis D. Brandeis, an associate justice, not only found in favor of the railroad but also made the sweeping argument that the federal courts had, for decades, unconstitutionally encroached on the power of the states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Attorneys for the State of Colorado, in asking a judge to throw the suit out, said the sweeping arguments in favor of the legislative branch's role in society are too grand and too small at the same time.

The New York Times

In a quest for congressional support, the ever-cautious commander-in-chief found himself making sweeping arguments for moral interventions overseas, and hinting at tougher military action than he had previously planned.His own Democratic Party is split between left-wing doves and Obama loyalists.

The Economist

The daylong hearing, sometimes tense, ranged from seemingly technical concerns like whether the warrant was stapled to the sealed affidavit prosecutors used to obtain it, to sweeping arguments over whether the affidavit itself was so broad as to violate the Fourth Amendment's guarantees against unreasonable search and seizure.

The New York Times

The chapter makes sweeping arguments regarding the role played by climatic change in 'increasing aridity and the expansion of deserts' (p. 9); it then attempts to link this to the melting glaciers of the East African Mountains.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Sweeping statement?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping argument" when you want to critique an argument for being overly broad or lacking specific evidence. It's particularly effective in academic or journalistic contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping argument" when the argument in question is actually well-supported and nuanced. Make sure your characterization aligns with the argument's actual scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping argument" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "argument". It is used to describe the nature of the argument itself, indicating that it is broad, wide-ranging, and possibly overgeneralized. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping argument" is a noun phrase used to describe an argument characterized by its breadth and potential overgeneralization. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it often serves to critique or evaluate the validity of claims. While not inherently negative, it often suggests a lack of specific evidence or nuance. Related phrases include "broad argument" and "general claim". It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the argument in question truly is broad in scope and potentially lacking in support. Using it inappropriately can misrepresent the argument's actual merits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad argument

Replaces "sweeping" with "broad", indicating a wide scope but with a slightly less forceful tone.

wide-ranging argument

Uses "wide-ranging" to emphasize the extensive scope of the argument.

general argument

Emphasizes the lack of specific details in the argument.

overarching argument

Highlights the argument's role as a primary or dominant theme.

comprehensive argument

Indicates the argument covers all relevant aspects of a topic.

extensive argument

Similar to "wide-ranging", but can also imply thoroughness.

inclusive argument

Suggests the argument incorporates various perspectives or elements.

blanket argument

Conveys that the argument is applied broadly without exceptions.

far-reaching argument

Emphasizes the significant consequences or implications of the argument.

wholesale argument

Implies the argument is comprehensive and deals with something in its entirety.

FAQs

How can I use "sweeping argument" in a sentence?

You can use "sweeping argument" to describe an assertion that is broad in scope and potentially lacks specific evidence. For example: "The critic dismissed the theory as a "sweeping argument" that failed to account for individual differences."

What are some alternatives to "sweeping argument"?

Alternatives include "broad argument", "general claim", or "overarching thesis". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. A "general claim" might be less critical than a "sweeping argument".

Is it always negative to describe an argument as "sweeping"?

While often used critically to point out overgeneralization or lack of detail, describing an argument as "sweeping" isn't inherently negative. Sometimes a broad overview is necessary or appropriate, though it may later require more specific support.

What's the difference between a "sweeping argument" and a "comprehensive argument"?

A "comprehensive argument" suggests thoroughness and completeness, whereas a "sweeping argument" implies breadth and generality, often at the expense of detail. A "comprehensive argument" aims to cover all aspects thoroughly, while a "sweeping argument" may paint with a broad brush.