Beware of Creating Sweeping Generalizations

Beware of Creating Sweeping Generalizations

This is the third post in a series about the comparison of adjectives and adverbs. If you missed the first two posts, click here and here.

When using the superlative degree, it is important to avoid creating sweeping generalizations.

A sweeping generalization creates a statement that is too broad. 

The superlative degree is created by adding est to some words, or adding the word most.

For example: happiest or most enjoyable

When you add est or use the word most, it is easy to create a sweeping statement that goes too far in its description.

Examples:

Sweeping Generalization: Benjamin Franklin was the most brilliant of all inventors.

Better: Benjamin Franklin was one of the most brilliant of all inventors.

Sweeping Generalization: Terry Bradshaw was the greatest of all quarterbacks in football history.

Better: Terry Bradshaw is considered by many one of the greatest of all quarterbacks in football history.

It's important not to get carried away with the superlative degree and say way more than you intended to say. Use qualifying words to make the superlative degree more acceptable.

I hope you have a restful summer. Check back here most Thursdays for more tips on grammar and usage.

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All the best,