sweeping generalization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping generalization" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English.
This phrase is used to refer to a broad, often oversimplified statement that applies to a wide range of situations. For example, "She made a sweeping generalization that all teenagers are irresponsible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"She's making a broad, sweeping generalization," says Hannity.

The Washington Post

Presented in the paper sweeping generalization is not rigorously proven, however it can play heuristic role in increasing the level of specificity of searching for extraterrestrial life.

Advances in Space Research

This is a bit of a stretch because Sartre was still several years from declaring himself a Marxist, and it shows Camus's tendency towards sweeping generalization rather than close analysis.

SEP

But to say that men in general aren't "man enough" is a vast, sweeping generalization.

Huffington Post

But, I'm going to make a sweeping generalization here.

The New Yorker

That sweeping generalization may soon apply to commercial real estate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I'm always wary of sweeping generalizations.

The New Yorker

"I love sweeping generalizations," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Particularly if you write in sweeping generalizations.

The New York Times - Books

I'm not one for making sweeping generalizations off one victory.

The New York Times - Sports

"Sweeping generalizations are the key to everything, and they invariably contain nuggets of truth.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "sweeping generalization", be prepared to provide evidence or qualification to support your point. Otherwise, acknowledge the potential for oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "sweeping generalization" as an absolute truth. Instead, frame it as a tendency or observation, acknowledging exceptions and variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping generalization" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "making a sweeping generalization") or as a subject complement. Its primary grammatical function is to describe a particular type of statement or claim. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is common and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweeping generalization" is a correct and commonly used term for describing a broad statement that may oversimplify a complex issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While such generalizations can be useful for identifying broad trends, it is crucial to recognize their limitations. Be mindful of the potential for misrepresentation and strive for balanced and nuanced language. Alternatives like "broad generalization" or "overgeneralization" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to support your claims with evidence and avoid presenting generalizations as absolute truths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad generalization

Replaces "sweeping" with "broad", indicating a general statement without necessarily implying it's an oversimplification.

wide generalization

Similar to "broad generalization", but slightly less common.

overgeneralization

Directly implies the generalization is excessive or unwarranted.

simplistic generalization

Emphasizes the lack of complexity or nuance in the generalization.

overbroad statement

Highlights that the statement covers too much ground without sufficient detail.

hasty generalization

Indicates a conclusion reached without sufficient evidence.

blanket statement

Implies the statement applies uniformly to everything, often inappropriately.

wholesale generalization

Suggests a complete or indiscriminate application of a generalization.

general statement

A neutral alternative, lacking the critical connotation of "sweeping generalization".

grand generalization

Highlights the ambitious or extensive nature of the generalization.

FAQs

How to use "sweeping generalization" in a sentence?

You can use "sweeping generalization" to describe a broad statement that may not be entirely accurate, such as, "His claim that all politicians are corrupt is a "sweeping generalization"."

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

"Sweeping generalization" refers to the act of making a broad statement, while a stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. A "sweeping generalization" can lead to or reinforce a stereotype.

What can I say instead of "sweeping generalization"?

Alternatives include "broad generalization", "overgeneralization", or "general statement" depending on the context.

Is it always wrong to make a "sweeping generalization"?

Not necessarily. "Sweeping generalizations" can be useful for understanding broad trends or patterns, but it's crucial to recognize their limitations and avoid applying them rigidly to individual cases. Acknowledge the possibility of exceptions and variations.