a general ethos

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general ethos" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a broad set of beliefs or values that characterize a group or culture. Example: "The organization promotes a general ethos of sustainability and social responsibility in all its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Jones attributes the business's success to a general ethos in the Whitstable area which leans towards localism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This question of resourcefulness can also point to a more general ethos of recycling, reminiscent of the empty shopping trolley, put to an imaginative range of uses, that shows up with growing frequency in contemporary Greek film, art, and even a promotional video for Piraeus Bank.

The Guardian - Books

"Mr Mackay is currently under investigation by the FA for sending text messages that are at odds with the general ethos here at Premier Range," a statement said.

BBC

The general ethos of said day, however, is: Fad diets are a waste of time, energy, and ultimately lead to weight gain, thus defeating the object.

Independent

Now Islam-based outfits are entering the market.Perhaps inevitably, the procedures and general ethos of Muslim mediation are very different from those of a secular court.

The Economist

But has the general ethos been uprooted?

The Guardian - Books

It's just the general ethos that prevails in parliament that I wanted to show.

The Guardian

Their general ethos, he says, is "informed kindliness towards the students".

The Guardian

Rhinehart said that he liked the self-deprecating nature of the name, and the way it poked fun at foodie sensibilities: "The general ethos of natural, fresh, organic, bright — this is the opposite".

The New Yorker

"Mr Mackay is under investigation by the FA for sending text messages that are at odds with the general ethos here at Premier Range – and, it would seem, Cardiff and QPR feel the same as us.

The Guardian - Sport

While there are lots of positive things about the report, and I wholeheartedly support its general ethos, I am concerned that some of the most intractable problems that the skills sector faces have been neglected – and in some cases ignored completely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the atmosphere or principles within a specific community or organization, use "a general ethos" to effectively convey the overall guiding spirit.

Common error

Avoid using "a general ethos" when referring to personal beliefs or individual attitudes; this phrase is best suited for describing collective or shared values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general ethos" primarily functions as a noun phrase. As shown in Ludwig, it acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the overall spirit, culture, or set of beliefs characteristic of a group or organization.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general ethos" is a noun phrase used to describe the prevailing spirit or set of beliefs within a group, organization, or society. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the collective values rather than individual opinions. Alternatives like ""a prevailing attitude"" or ""a shared philosophy"" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Therefore, be mindful of the specific context you wish to capture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prevailing attitude

Focuses more on the overall feeling or disposition rather than the underlying principles.

a common mindset

Emphasizes the shared way of thinking among a group of people.

a shared philosophy

Highlights the collective beliefs and values that guide a group's actions.

a collective spirit

Stresses the unified and enthusiastic feeling within a community.

a dominant culture

Refers to the established set of practices, values and beliefs in a society or organization.

a widespread belief

Highlights the common acceptance of a particular idea or concept.

a guiding principle

Focuses on the fundamental rules or standards that influence decisions and behavior.

a typical characteristic

Emphasizes a quality or trait that is commonly observed within a group.

an overall sentiment

Highlights the predominant emotional tone or feeling in a particular context.

a general disposition

Focuses on the characteristic attitude or mood of a person or group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general ethos" to describe the prevailing attitude or principles of a group. For example: "The company promotes "a general ethos" of collaboration and innovation."

What are some alternatives to "a general ethos"?

Alternatives include "a prevailing attitude", "a common mindset", or "a shared philosophy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a general ethos" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing organizational culture, societal values, or guiding principles. However, consider "a prevailing spirit".

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

"A general ethos" refers to broad, overarching principles, while "a specific ethos" points to more defined and particular values. Using "a specific ethos" will require you to add a term/adjective to clarify the specific field to which you are referring: "a learning ethos".