ELI5: What is a blanket statement?

A blanket statement is a general statement that talks about everyone or everything as if there are no exceptions.

• It is like saying, “All kids love candy,” even though some kids do not.
• It covers a whole group with one big idea, instead of looking at each person or thing separately.
• In everyday life, blanket statements can be too broad because real life usually has exceptions.

• “Dogs are friendly” is a blanket statement, because some dogs are shy or scared.
• “Everyone hates homework” is a blanket statement, because some people do not mind it.
• “Adults are always busy” is a blanket statement, because adults can have free time too.

• A careful statement says, “Most kids like playgrounds.”
• A blanket statement says, “Kids like playgrounds.”