sweeping statement

USAGE SUMMARY

'sweeping statement' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a statement that is made in a broad, general way and is not necessarily accurate or fair. For example, "His sweeping statement that all children are the same is simply not true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sweeping statement?

The Guardian - Opinion

"But it's not a sweeping statement".

The New York Times

This is a sweeping statement.

The New York Times

'Black lives matter' is a sweeping statement".

The Guardian

This sweeping statement reveals crass ignorance of European history.

The Economist

Orthotists say Dr. Nigg's sweeping statement does not take into account the benefits their patients perceive.

The New York Times - Health

That's an awfully sweeping statement, but I'm not sure he's wrong.

The New York Times - Books

What does this sweeping statement have to do with the price of yen?

The New York Times

The question now is whether the pope's sweeping statement will shake-up climate talks.

The Guardian

There was a lot of individual detail there, there wasn't one big sweeping statement.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't want to make a sweeping statement, but I want to have people maybe reserve their judgment.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing an argument, use "sweeping statement" to highlight overgeneralizations that lack sufficient evidence. This can strengthen your counterargument and make it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping statement" simply to describe a broad declaration. It often carries a negative connotation, implying the statement is an overgeneralization. If you don't intend to criticize, use a more neutral term like "general observation".

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase acting as a descriptor or identifier. It typically functions to label a statement as overly broad or generalized, often implying criticism or skepticism about its accuracy or validity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweeping statement" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an overly broad or generalized claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across diverse contexts like news, science, and formal business settings. It often carries a critical connotation, implying the statement lacks sufficient evidence or nuance. When using or encountering this phrase, it's crucial to consider the context and potential for misinterpretation. Alternatives like "broad generalization" or "general claim" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid using "sweeping statement" as a neutral descriptor and be mindful of its potential negative implications in writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sweeping generalization

Combines both terms, reinforcing the idea of a broad and potentially inaccurate claim.

blanket statement

Emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of the statement, covering all cases without exception.

overarching statement

Indicates that the statement is comprehensive and covers a wide scope or range of issues.

broad generalization

Replaces "statement" with a synonym, focusing on the broad nature of the claim.

overbroad assertion

Substitutes "sweeping" with "overbroad", highlighting the excessive scope of the assertion.

wholesale assertion

Highlights the complete and unreserved nature of the assertion, similar to 'blanket'.

general claim

Uses a more neutral term, "claim", instead of "statement", implying a less formal expression.

wide-ranging remark

Replaces "statement" with "remark", suggesting a more casual and less considered expression.

inclusive declaration

Focuses on the all-encompassing nature of the declaration, suggesting it includes many elements.

extensive pronouncement

Employs a more formal term, "pronouncement", indicating an official or authoritative statement.

FAQs

How can I identify a "sweeping statement"?

A "sweeping statement" is a broad generalization that makes a claim about a large group or category without sufficient evidence or qualification. It often uses words like "all", "every", "always", or "never" without acknowledging exceptions or nuances.

What's wrong with making a "sweeping statement"?

The problem with a "sweeping statement" is that it's usually an oversimplification that doesn't accurately reflect reality. It can lead to misunderstandings, unfair judgments, and flawed reasoning. It's better to be specific and nuanced in your claims.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "sweeping statement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "broad generalization", "general claim", or "overbroad assertion". These phrases can convey similar meanings while adding a slightly different nuance.

Is "sweeping statement" always negative?

While "sweeping statement" often carries a negative connotation, it's not always inherently bad. Sometimes, a broad statement can be useful for setting the stage or making a general point, as long as it's followed up with more specific details and qualifications. However, be aware of the potential for misinterpretation.