sweeping rationalization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping rationalization" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or extensive justification or explanation that may oversimplify complex issues. Example: "The company's sweeping rationalization of its layoffs failed to address the underlying problems that led to the financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Berger, an expert on extremist movements and terrorism, explains that extremism arises from a perception of "us versus them," intensified by the conviction that the success of "us" is inseparable from hostile acts against "them". Extremism differs from ordinary unpleasantness run-of-the-mill hatred and racism—by its sweeping rationalization of an insistence on violence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sweeping down gesture.

The New Yorker

"It is so sweeping.

The New York Times

Anger is sweeping America.

The New York Times

Albany needs sweeping change.

The New York Times

Probably nothing sweeping.

The Economist

CUE sweeping strings.

The Economist

The view is sweeping.

The Economist

"It is sweeping your movement.

The New Yorker

Sweeping statement?

The Guardian - Opinion

Sweeping privatizations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping rationalization" when you want to critique a broad justification that may be oversimplified or used to avoid addressing underlying issues.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping rationalization" as a substitute for genuine analysis. A proper explanation should address the specifics, not just offer a broad generalization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping rationalization" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" modifies the noun "rationalization". It typically describes a broad or generalized justification that may oversimplify complex issues. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping rationalization" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a broad or generalized justification that might be overly simplistic or evade deeper analysis. Ludwig identifies its primary function as expressing skepticism or criticism. It appears most commonly in news and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While not frequently used, the phrase carries a distinct connotation of oversimplification or avoidance of specific issues. Consider alternatives like "broad justification" or "extensive explanation" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sweeping justification

Removes the 'rationalization' aspect, focusing on the act of justifying broadly.

broad justification

Focuses on the breadth of the justification, omitting the potential for oversimplification implied by 'rationalization'.

comprehensive rationale

Focuses on the completeness of the reasoning provided.

extensive explanation

Highlights the depth of the explanation rather than the justification aspect.

broad scope justification

Highlights the wide-ranging nature of the justification.

overarching justification

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness and dominance of the justification.

blanket rationalization

Suggests a single rationalization applied uniformly to multiple situations, often critically.

wholesale justification

Suggests a complete or total justification, implying a lack of nuance.

extensive vindication

Highlights the act of clearing someone of blame on a large scale.

generalized excuse

Shifts the focus to excusing behavior, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can "sweeping rationalization" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician's "sweeping rationalization" for the policy change failed to convince the public."

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

Consider using alternatives like "broad justification", "extensive explanation", or "overarching justification" depending on the specific context.

What does "sweeping rationalization" imply?

It suggests a widespread justification that might be an oversimplification of complex issues, potentially used to avoid deeper scrutiny or accountability.

Is "sweeping rationalization" always negative?

While often used in a critical context to point out a potentially flawed or insufficient justification, the negativity depends on the context and the intent behind the rationalization itself.