Meaning & use
sweeping generalizations
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Meaning
phraseplural
Broad statements that apply to all cases without considering exceptions; often considered unfair or inaccurate.
Grammar: Always plural; the singular form 'sweeping generalization' exists but is less common. Often used with verbs like 'make' or 'avoid'.
Patterns
- make sweeping generalizations
- avoid sweeping generalizations
- sweeping generalizations about something
The report was criticized for making sweeping generalizations about the local culture.
Teachers should avoid sweeping generalizations when discussing student performance.
His argument relied on sweeping generalizations that ignored important differences.
Common combinations
- make sweeping generalizations
- Politicians often make sweeping generalizations during campaigns.
- sweeping generalizations about
- The book makes sweeping generalizations about the history of the region.
- avoid sweeping generalizations
- In academic writing, you should avoid sweeping generalizations.
- based on sweeping generalizations
- His theory is based on sweeping generalizations rather than evidence.
Synonyms and how they differ
- overgeneralizations
- Overgeneralizations are conclusions drawn too broadly, often from limited evidence, and are similar but emphasize the error of extending beyond what is justified.
- stereotypes
- Stereotypes are fixed, oversimplified ideas about a group of people; sweeping generalizations can be about any topic, not just people.
Word family
- generalization noun
- A general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases.
- generalize verb
- To make a general statement or form a general principle.
Commonly confused: sweeping generalizations or sweeping statement?
sweeping generalizations vs sweeping statement
A sweeping statement is similar but can be singular and does not always carry the same negative connotation as 'sweeping generalizations'.
Practice
The essay was full of ______ about the economy, ignoring regional differences.
Choose one answer.
The phrase is usually plural and takes 'about' to introduce the topic. 'Sweeping generalization' is singular and would require 'a' before it. 'Sweep' and 'swept' are verbs and do not fit the noun phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sweeping generalizations”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.