sweeping assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or general statement that lacks nuance or specificity, often implying that the statement may be overly simplistic or exaggerated. Example: "The politician's sweeping assertion that all crime rates have dropped significantly was met with skepticism by the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They note that the president's action arose after Congress refused to change the law in line with his wishes, so the order rests on "an unprecedented, sweeping assertion of executive power," they say.

Los Angeles Times

"Take the sweeping assertion that corporations 'do not have the constitutional rights of human beings.' Would that 'instruction' be limited to political speech, or would it also tell members of Congress that they should feel free to strip businesses of other protections, such as freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures and the right to due process in civil lawsuits?," the Times wrote.

Huffington Post

It began with a sweeping assertion: "Gov.

The New York Times

But this sweeping assertion ignored the implications of his own evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then there's his sweeping assertion that "those in favour of preserving the Union [with Scotland] will be content to view their language as closely affiliated to English".

Independent

He's certainly not being concise, since the six words between "Texting" and "is" serve only to muddle up a simple, if too sweeping, assertion.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Too much of what we hear from the government about surveillance is either speculation or sweeping assertions that lack corroboration.

The Guardian

Again and again in his Presidential campaign, Trump has issued sweeping assertions about how immigrants are "bringing crime" to America.

The New Yorker

In the end the case for the unacceptability of torture is not best made by sweeping assertions that it is useless.

The New York Times

Wright rests much of her argument on sweeping assertions culled from the characters she profiles and supplemented by public opinion polls.

The New York Times - Books

For all those at home and abroad made uncomfortable by sweeping assertions of American power it was a moment of predictable provocation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping assertion" when you want to critique a statement that is overly broad and lacks sufficient supporting evidence. Ensure your own writing avoids making similarly unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping assertion" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and overly critical. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "broad claim" or "general statement" for better stylistic flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping assertion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'make a sweeping assertion') or as a subject complement. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping assertion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to critically describe statements that are overly broad and lack specific support. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in news and media contexts and has a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure you're highlighting a genuine lack of substantiation rather than simply disagreeing with a broad claim. Consider alternative phrases like "broad claim" or "general statement" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad claim

Focuses on the extent of the claim, emphasizing its wide scope.

sweeping generalization

Focuses on the act of making a broad statement based on limited evidence.

general statement

Highlights the lack of specificity and detail in the statement.

unsubstantiated claim

Underscores the lack of evidence or proof supporting the assertion.

overarching declaration

Emphasizes the comprehensive and sometimes domineering nature of the declaration.

wide-ranging allegation

Suggests the assertion involves accusations or unproven claims across a broad area.

blanket statement

Implies the statement is applied indiscriminately to all cases, potentially ignoring nuances.

wholesale pronouncement

Stresses the complete and unrestricted nature of the pronouncement.

categorical statement

Emphasizes the absoluteness and lack of exceptions in the statement.

extensive affirmation

Highlights the comprehensive nature and positive declaration of the affirmation.

FAQs

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

Use "sweeping assertion" to describe a broad statement that lacks specific evidence. For example: "The politician's "sweeping assertion" that all crime has decreased is not supported by the data."

What's a good alternative to "sweeping assertion"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "broad claim", "general statement", or "unsubstantiated claim".

What does it mean when someone calls a statement a "sweeping assertion"?

It usually means the person believes the statement is too general, lacks specific support, and might be an oversimplification of a complex issue.

Is it appropriate to use "sweeping assertion" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when analyzing or critiquing arguments. However, ensure your own analysis is well-supported and avoids making similar "sweeping assertions".