a general change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or overall alteration in a situation, process, or condition. Example: "The company is implementing a general change in its policies to improve employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Possibly the row within the Labour party is indicative of a general change: an old guard that sees society as cohesive groups being replaced by a generation that sees movements as individuals choosing to work together.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is a general change in Swedish society," Ms. Madestam said.

The New York Times

With the midterm elections on the horizon, its members are unlikely to have a general change of heart now.

The New Yorker

Haydon said: "There is a general change in society, whether violence in the home or on the streets, violence is increasing in society.

The Guardian

Beyond that, however, they have pressed to remove any mention in the new outline of a general change in principle on arms exports.

The Economist

Robert Dunham, Executive Director of the Death Penalty Information Centre in Washington, said he believed the moves taking place in Nebraksa reflected a general change in the country.

Independent

We're being programmed by more mainstream theatres – next year, we're going to be at [the leading London dance venue] Sadler's Wells on the main stage, so there is a general change.

The Guardian - Music

"The shame needs to be put on the attackers, and we want to see a general change in attitude that makes it unacceptable to blame the victim at any level".

The Guardian - Opinion

Shortlist: Citysafe, Middlesbrough Council RECRUITMENT & RETENTION Judges comments: "Entries demonstrated a general change in the mindset of public service organisations and recognised a need to reach out to communities.

The Guardian

All of which means that Chicago is now ranked as one of the top ten cities in the world for starting a company, according to Startup Genome, which provides analysis on start-ups around the world.There has also been a general change of tone.

The Economist

But, in brief descriptions of his own age, which have not received as much attention as they deserve, he showed that he could both visualize the existence of sharp turning points in history and recognize that he was witnessing one of them: "When there is a general change of conditions... as if it were a new and repeated creation, a world brought into existence anew".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a general change" when you want to convey that an overall shift or modification has occurred, rather than a specific or isolated adjustment. This emphasizes the breadth and scope of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "a general change" when describing highly specific or localized alterations. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect the precision needed, such as "a specific adjustment" or "a targeted modification".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general change" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a broad or widespread alteration, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general change" is a versatile phrase used to describe broad and comprehensive alterations across various domains. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While it's suitable for formal and neutral registers, careful consideration should be given to the specificity of the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the scope of the change being described. Alternatives like "a broad shift" or "an overall modification" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The frequency and authoritative sources confirm its established usage in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad shift

Emphasizes the extensive nature of the change, focusing on a widespread movement or alteration.

a widespread alteration

Highlights the extent of the change, indicating it affects many areas or people.

an overall modification

Focuses on the comprehensive aspect of the change, suggesting a complete adjustment.

a sweeping transformation

Implies a dramatic and far-reaching change, often with significant impact.

a fundamental shift

Indicates a deep and significant change, affecting the core aspects of something.

a comprehensive revision

Stresses the thorough and complete nature of the change, suggesting a detailed review and update.

a systemic alteration

Focuses on changes that affect the entire system or structure, rather than isolated parts.

a global adjustment

Emphasizes the worldwide or all-encompassing nature of the change.

a universal modification

Suggests that the change is applicable to everyone or everything, without exception.

a pervasive transformation

Highlights that the change is widespread and deeply ingrained.

FAQs

How can I use "a general change" in a sentence?

You can use "a general change" to describe a broad shift or modification. For example, "There has been "a general change" in attitudes towards environmental conservation."

What are some alternatives to "a general change"?

Alternatives include "a broad shift", "an overall modification", or "a sweeping transformation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a general change" in formal writing?

Yes, "a general change" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a widespread or comprehensive alteration. However, ensure the context supports the broad nature of the phrase.

What's the difference between "a general change" and "a specific change"?

"A general change" refers to a broad, overall alteration, while "a specific change" refers to a particular, targeted modification. Choose the phrase that best reflects the scope of the change you are describing.