Usually when we see claims, especially for advertisements, we are often lured in by the words “all” and/or “some” since these words can be used to represent how many people use the product and/or how much the product works for those who use it. However, “all” and “some” can be easily confused with if not critically analyzed or if the given statement is not direct to the point or there’s some vagueness to it.
According to Epstein, “All means “Every single one, no exceptions.” However, it can also be interpreted as “Every single one, and there is at least one.” On the other hand, “Some means “At least one,” but can also be interpreted as “At least one, but not all.” For example:
All: All puppies are cute.
Some: Some puppies are not cute.
These generalizations can be avoided if there are Precise Generalities or the given statement shows more detail and explains it more elaborately like specifying a precise number, compared to just stating all or some, which are Vague Generalities.
Precise Generalities: Seven of my friends in the group are girls. (This is more direct).
Vague Generalities: Some of my friends in the group are girls. (“Some” can possibly be an infinite number depending on the person’s interpretation).
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