What are Generalities?
Generalities are broad and vague statements that don’t include specific details. They are often used when someone wants to talk about an idea without going into too much depth. For example, saying “Dogs are great pets” is a generality because it doesn’t explain why they are great or give specific instances. It’s a way to simplify complex ideas, but it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings because important details are left out.
Why do people use Generalities?
People use generalities for a few reasons:
- To make conversations or writing easier to understand without getting too complicated.
- When they don’t have enough information to provide specifics.
- To avoid arguments or discussions about details.
How can you identify a Generality?
You can spot a generality by looking for statements that are too broad or lack specific details. Here are some tips:
- Look for words like “always,” “never,” “every,” and “all” which are often used in generalities.
- Check if the statement lacks examples or evidence.
- See if the statement can be easily questioned because it doesn’t cover all cases.
For instance, saying “All students hate homework” is a generality because it doesn’t consider that some students might actually like homework.
