a general joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a joke that is broad or not specific to a particular context or audience. Example: "He told a general joke that everyone in the room could relate to, making everyone laugh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's an order from the media," the general joked.

The New York Times

Walking a visitor through the objects important to the couple, the Secretary General joked that if the jobs ran out he could always go into the antiquities business.

The New York Times - Books

I'm not pretty in a general sense," the joke isn't merely situational — it's existential.

The New Yorker

I'm not pretty in a general sense," the joke isn't merely situational it's existential.

The New Yorker

If you have a general impression that jokes are a form of attack that involve criticizing or disapproving of you, then it's time to challenge your expectations.

WikiHow

His YouTube page is filled to the brim with all the same awful opinions about feminism, Trump, politics, Islam and political correctness, delivered – as ever – through the scope of a teenage boy, with gay jokes, cancer jokes and a general wilful misunderstanding and simplification of pretty much everything.

Vice

I speak of the woman, who, when vox-popped by the BBC on the day Theresa May called a general election, exclaimed: "You're joking.

The Times

"But there are some great characters, some even better jokes, a general sense of good humour and that entrancing, eye-ravishing old-school animation".

The Guardian - Film

Richard Hammond, the Top Gear presenter, has continued to make a remarkable recovery from his 300mph dragster crash, and was yesterday well enough to be cared for in a general ward and share jokes with his family and friends.

The Guardian

"The dirty little secret among beat reporters who routinely travel with top military officials is that there's a unwritten code, a general understanding, that off-color jokes, irreverent banter, and casual conversations are generally off-the-record, or on the deepest of background, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Huffington Post

"I write because it makes me feel most alive". Helen Elaine Lee grew up in Detroit in a home where storytelling, jokes, and a general reverence for the power of language held sway.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general joke", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean a joke applicable to many people or simply a not very original or specific joke.

Common error

Avoid using "a general joke" when you intend to describe a specific type of joke. Be precise about the kind of joke you're referring to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general joke" functions as a noun phrase, where "general" modifies the noun "joke". It describes a type of joke that is not specific and intended for a broad audience. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Wiki

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Academia

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Less common in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a general joke" is a grammatically correct and understandable noun phrase used to describe a joke that is broadly applicable or not targeted at a specific group. Although Ludwig confirms its usability, it is important to consider the specific context when using the phrase to ensure clarity. Alternative phrases such as "a universal joke" or "a common joke" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. While the phrase has potential use across various contexts, according to Ludwig's analysis, examples are currently missing from the analyzed sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a universal joke

This alternative focuses on the broad appeal of the joke.

a widely applicable joke

This suggests the joke can be used in many different situations.

an all-purpose joke

This implies the joke is suitable for any occasion.

a common joke

This refers to a joke that is well-known and frequently told.

a standard joke

This indicates a joke that is typical and unremarkable.

a non-specific joke

This emphasizes the lack of detail or targeting in the joke.

a broad joke

This highlights the wide-ranging nature of the joke.

an average joke

This portrays the joke as being of ordinary quality.

a simple joke

This emphasizes the straightforward nature of the joke.

a typical joke

This suggests the joke is representative of a certain type.

FAQs

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

You might say, "He told "a general joke" that everyone could relate to" or "The comedian's routine included several "a general joke" about everyday life".

What is meant by "a general joke"?

It typically refers to a joke that is not specific to any particular group or situation, making it widely applicable and understandable.

Which is better, "a general joke" or "a specific joke"?

It depends on the context. Use "a general joke" if the joke is meant for everyone, and "a specific joke" if it's tailored to a particular group or situation.

What can I say instead of "a general joke"?

Alternatives include "a universal joke", "a common joke", or "a widely applicable joke", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.