As a general rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As a general rule" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that applies broadly or generally, often indicating that there may be exceptions. Example: "As a general rule, we recommend that all employees submit their reports by Friday to ensure timely processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As a general rule, a value of Cronbach's alpha > 0.7 is generally regarded as satisfactory.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

As a general rule, I resist that.

The Guardian - Film

As a general rule, keep it concise and positive.

The Guardian

As a general rule, these exhibitions aren't cheap.

The New York Times - Arts

(As a general rule, inflection substitutes for reason).

The New York Times

As a general rule we don't respond to surveys.

The Guardian - Sport

As a general rule, my family dislike mushrooms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a general rule, marriage isn't sexy on Broadway.

The New York Times

As a general rule, women had a rather low status.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a general rule, wealth creation adds to pollution.

The Economist

As a general rule, Mr Kristof is right.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As a general rule" to introduce statements that are typically true but may have exceptions. This helps set appropriate expectations and avoids making absolute claims.

Common error

Avoid using "As a general rule" when describing situations that are always true or have no exceptions. This phrase is most effective when acknowledging the possibility of deviations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As a general rule" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating that it is generally true but may have exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As a general rule" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce statements that are generally true but may have exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and it is frequently found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it is essential to avoid overgeneralization and use it appropriately when acknowledging potential deviations. Related phrases include "in general" and "generally speaking". Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In general

Omits the "as a" and "rule", creating a more concise expression of the same concept.

Generally speaking

Replaces "as a general rule" with a more conversational phrase that means the same thing.

Typically

Conveys the idea that something usually happens in a certain way, without explicitly stating a rule.

Ordinarily

Indicates that something occurs in the usual or common course of events.

As a rule of thumb

Suggests a practical and approximate principle, often used in estimations or calculations.

For the most part

Indicates that something is true in most instances, but not necessarily all.

On average

Refers to a statistical tendency, implying a central value around which data points cluster.

By and large

Suggests that something is generally true, considering the overall situation.

More often than not

Expresses that something happens frequently, although not always.

In most cases

Highlights that something is true under typical circumstances, allowing for exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "As a general rule" in a sentence?

"As a general rule" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a statement that is generally true. For example, "As a general rule, startups tend to be better at this than incumbents."

What are some alternatives to "As a general rule"?

You can use alternatives like "generally speaking", "in general", or "typically" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "As a general rule"?

Yes, the phrase "As a general rule" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

What's the difference between "As a general rule" and "as a rule of thumb"?

"As a general rule" refers to a broad principle, while "as a rule of thumb" implies a practical, though not necessarily precise, guideline. The former is broader in scope.