a general assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task or project that is broad in scope and not specific to a particular subject or area. Example: "The teacher gave the students a general assignment to research any topic of their choice for the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

T.J. Ortenzi is a general assignment editor.

The Washington Post

Victor Mather is a general assignment sports reporter and editor.

The New York Times - Sports

Brittany Renee Mayes joined The Washington Post as a general assignment graphics reporter in June 2018.

The Washington Post

Mr. Millones returned to The Times as a general assignment reporter.

The New York Times - Arts

Marwa Eltagouri Marwa Eltagouri was a general assignment reporter for The Washington Post.

The Washington Post

Mr. Cho, 28, is a general assignment reporter in Fairfax, Va., for The Washington Post.

The New York Times - Style

Her mother is a general assignment reporter with The Advocate, a weekly newspaper in Williamstown.

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Klekamp, 45, was until last month a general assignment reporter for WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

The New York Times

She is a general assignment reporter at The Las Vegas Sun.

The New York Times

The bride, 27, is a general assignment reporter for WMAQ-TV, the NBC station in Chicago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She was reassigned in 1948 as a general-assignment and police reporter for the city desk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general assignment", ensure the context clarifies the scope and limitations, even if the task is broad. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that 'general' implies simplicity. Even in "a general assignment", clearly outline expectations to prevent misunderstandings about the level of detail required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general assignment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a task, job, or role that is not specifically defined or limited to a particular subject or area. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general assignment" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase denoting a non-specialized task or role. Ludwig’s analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable news sources, confirms its prevalent use in journalism and professional settings. The phrase implies versatility and adaptability, and while its register is neutral, it's crucial to maintain clarity in defining the scope to avoid ambiguity. Though 'general', the assignment's specific expectations should still be outlined. Ludwig’s examples highlight that while the term is often used to describe journalism roles, it applies across various fields requiring diverse skill sets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad task

Replaces 'assignment' with the more generic 'task', emphasizing the unspecified nature of the work.

a non-specific task

Uses 'non-specific' to highlight the lack of detailed instructions.

an open-ended project

Suggests a project with flexible boundaries and goals.

a flexible role

Emphasizes adaptability and lack of rigid responsibilities in a job or position.

a varied workload

Focuses on the diversity of tasks involved.

a diverse portfolio

Highlights the wide range of assignments or projects one might handle.

a multifaceted job

Describes a job with many different aspects and responsibilities.

an all-encompassing duty

Implies a very broad and extensive area of responsibility.

a cross-functional responsibility

Indicates responsibilities spanning multiple areas or departments.

undifferentiated responsibilities

Highlights a lack of specialization in the duties involved.

FAQs

How is "a general assignment" typically used in journalism?

In journalism, "a general assignment" typically refers to a reporter who covers a variety of topics and stories, rather than specializing in a specific beat.

What are some alternatives to saying "a general assignment"?

You can use alternatives like "a broad task", "a non-specific task", or "an open-ended project" depending on the context.

What does "a general assignment" imply about the role or task?

It implies that the role or task is not limited to a specific area and requires flexibility and adaptability.

Is "a general assignment" the same as "any assignment"?

While similar, "a general assignment" suggests a broader scope than just "any assignment". It implies a lack of specialization rather than simply a single, unspecified task.