unwarranted generalization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwarranted generalization" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing logical fallacies or making a point about assumptions that are not supported by evidence. Example: "The argument presented is based on an unwarranted generalization that all teenagers are irresponsible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It would be an unwarranted generalization for me to claim that Romanians are still preoccupied with this history.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ross Douthat ("The 'Safe, Legal, Rare' Illusion," column, Feb. 19) cherry-picks a Guttmacher Institute survey finding — that only a small proportion of abortion patients gave cost as a reason for not using contraception — to support his unwarranted generalization that cost is not a barrier to contraceptive use.

The New York Times

In a broad but not unwarranted generalization, the postmodern text is non-absorptive as a matter of syntax; the metamodern text is non-absorptive as a matter of phenomenology.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Beck, however, has always situated her own detailed ethnographic narratives and analyses in wider contexts and has been careful to avoid unwarranted generalizations about Iranian nomadic and tribal peoples, or about Iran generally, based solely on her experience among the Qashqa'i - though the main title of her latest monograph might suggest otherwise.

Pastoralism

Shiite sheikhs accused the Sunnis of tolerating the presence of terrorists, and Sunni sheikhs accused the Shia of making unwarranted generalizations about them.

The New Yorker

I shall draw on this experience in what follows, keeping alert to the danger of making unwarranted generalizations.

Critical Care

Thus, the generalization of the results to females is unwarranted.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

A generalization?

The New Yorker

Was that comparison unwarranted?

The New Yorker

"The criticism was unwarranted.

The New York Times - Sports

Tightening now is unwarranted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure your generalizations are supported by sufficient evidence and logical reasoning to avoid making an "unwarranted generalization". Provide specific examples or data to back up your claims.

Common error

Avoid basing generalizations solely on personal experiences or isolated incidents. While anecdotes can be illustrative, they are often insufficient to support a broad claim and can lead to an "unwarranted generalization".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwarranted generalization" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "unwarranted" indicates that the generalization is not justified or supported by evidence. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwarranted generalization" is a grammatically sound phrase used to identify claims lacking sufficient support. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in News & Media and Science, pointing out logical fallacies. To avoid this error, ensure your claims are well-supported by evidence. Alternatives include "unjustified conclusion" or "unsupported assumption". Being aware of what constitutes an "unwarranted generalization" enhances critical thinking and strengthens arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unjustified conclusion

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the conclusion.

Unsupported assumption

Highlights the absence of evidence to support the assumption.

Baseless assertion

Focuses on the lack of a foundation or basis for the assertion.

Hasty conclusion

Indicates that the conclusion was reached too quickly without sufficient evidence.

Unfounded inference

Stresses that the inference is not based on solid grounds.

Inaccurate overstatement

Highlights the inaccurate and exaggerated nature of the statement.

Unsubstantiated claim

Emphasizes the lack of proof or evidence for the claim.

Unreasonable extrapolation

Focuses on the fact that the extrapolation is not logically sound or justified.

Illicit inference

Suggests that the inference is not permissible or logical.

Broad overgeneralization

Highlights the broad and sweeping nature of the generalization, making it less accurate.

FAQs

How can I avoid making an "unwarranted generalization" in my writing?

To avoid making an "unwarranted generalization", ensure your claims are supported by sufficient evidence. Gather data from reliable sources, conduct thorough research, and provide specific examples to back up your statements. Be cautious about drawing broad conclusions from limited information.

What are some synonyms for "unwarranted generalization"?

Some synonyms for "unwarranted generalization" include "unjustified conclusion", "unsupported assumption", and "baseless assertion". These phrases all refer to claims or conclusions that lack sufficient evidence or logical reasoning.

What is the difference between a generalization and an "unwarranted generalization"?

A generalization is a broad statement or conclusion based on observations or evidence. An "unwarranted generalization", however, is a generalization that is not justified by the available evidence or logic. It is a conclusion drawn from insufficient or biased information.

How can I identify an "unwarranted generalization" in an argument?

To identify an "unwarranted generalization", examine the evidence presented to support the claim. If the evidence is limited, anecdotal, or biased, the generalization may be unwarranted. Look for statements that make sweeping claims without sufficient backing.