I have generally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have generally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a general tendency or habit in the past or present. Example: "I have generally found that early mornings are the best time for productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I have generally adapted to the humidity," she says.

The Guardian - Sport

I think of that as the Cold World, the elsewhere I have generally avoided.

The New York Times - Travel

Cox is also my cable provider, and I have generally found their customer service to be fairly responsive.

The New York Times

But I have generally felt used along the way, forced into rigid paths, looking at minimalist text bites, glimpsing possibilities while being thwarted by realities.

The New York Times - Arts

Now I have generally felt that Microsoft gets a worse rap than it deserves, and I criticized Judge Jackson's breakup plan from the start.

The New York Times

Since starting the course I have generally found this easier as some editors will only consider students or graduates for work experience.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Nico's been going quicker and quicker but I've generally had it covered.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've generally found a positive feeling in the town about this program.

The New York Times

Before, I had generally tried to squeeze in at least 15 minutes of practice a day.

The New York Times

I've generally supported it, but I've seen them make some calls that I thought were highly questionable.

The New York Times

When I've heard remixed versions of a song, I've generally thought they were inferior to the original version.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have generally" to express trends, habits, or experiences that are true for the majority of cases but may have exceptions. For instance, "I have generally found that early mornings are the best time for productivity."

Common error

Avoid using "I have generally" when you want to express something that is always true or without exceptions. Instead, choose a more definitive statement. Avoid sentences like "I have generally found that all cats are friendly", because it's a wide and inaccurate generalization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have generally" functions as an introductory modifier in a sentence, indicating that the statement that follows is a general observation or tendency. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows that the phrase is used to preface opinions, experiences, or findings. It sets a qualifying tone for the information being presented.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I have generally" is a useful introductory phrase to express a common or typical sentiment, experience, or belief. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in science and formal writing. While versatile, it's important to avoid overgeneralization and select more precise wording when necessary. Alternatives such as "I usually have" or "In general I have" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that the phrase qualifies the statement that follows, suggesting that it is generally true but not necessarily always the case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Generally, I have

Inverts the order of the phrase, placing "generally" at the beginning.

In general, I have

Replaces "generally" with "in general", keeping the phrase structure similar.

I usually have

Replaces "generally" with "usually", indicating a typical occurrence.

I typically have

Substitutes "generally" with "typically", suggesting a common pattern.

I commonly have

Replaces "generally" with "commonly", implying a frequent experience.

I often have

Substitutes "generally" with "often", denoting a regular happening.

I tend to have

Replaces "generally" with "tend to", indicating a inclination.

For the most part, I have

Replaces "generally" with "for the most part", suggesting a large extent.

I am generally

Changes from having something to being something.

On the whole, I have

Substitutes "generally" with "on the whole", conveying a comprehensive view.

FAQs

How can I use "I have generally" in a sentence?

Use "I have generally" to indicate a common or typical experience. For example, "I have generally found that people are kind."

What are some alternatives to "I have generally"?

You can use alternatives such as "I usually have", "I typically have", or "In general I have" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Generally, I have" instead of "I have generally"?

Yes, "Generally, I have" is grammatically correct and can be used to emphasize the general nature of your statement.

What's the difference between "I have generally" and "I have often"?

"I have generally" suggests a broader pattern or trend, while "I have often" indicates frequent occurrences. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the overall pattern or the frequency of an event.