Here's why they're problematic:
* Lack of Nuance: They ignore exceptions and complexities.
* Potential for Fallacies: They can easily lead to logical fallacies, such as hasty generalizations.
* Unclear Meaning: The broadness makes the intended meaning vague and difficult to understand.
* Weak Argumentation: In arguments, they are unconvincing because they don't support their claims with specific evidence.
Examples:
* Overly Broad: "All politicians are corrupt." (This is a sweeping generalization; clearly not all politicians are corrupt.)
* More Precise: "Some politicians have been implicated in corruption scandals." (This is more accurate and avoids the overly broad claim.)
* Overly Broad: "Reading is good for you." (While generally true, it's too broad. What kind of reading? What are the benefits? For whom?)
* More Precise: "Reading diverse literature can improve vocabulary and critical thinking skills." (This is more specific and focuses on particular benefits.)
* Overly Broad: "Exercise is important." (Again, too vague. What type of exercise? How much? For what purpose?)
* More Precise: "Regular cardiovascular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease." (This is a much more specific and meaningful statement.)
In short, overly broad sentences lack precision and often lead to inaccurate or misleading statements. They should be revised to be more specific and accurate.