a general observance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general observance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a common or widespread practice or adherence to a rule, custom, or principle. Example: "In many cultures, a general observance of traditions is essential for maintaining a sense of identity and community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A general observance of the prospective zones based on the various features is given in Table 4.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Act utilitarianism states that in all cases the morally right action is the one which produces the most pleasure, whereas rule utilitarianism states that the morally right action is the one that is in accordance with a moral rule whose general observance would create the most happiness.

Wikipedia

Within such a theory rights are parts of rules, the general observance of which will lead to an optimal distribution of advantages.

SEP

On several occasions during the 19th century The Times reported that the tradition was in decline, being "of late years almost forgotten", but in the opinion of historian David Cressy, such reports reflected "other Victorian trends", including a lessening of Protestant religious zeal not general observance of the Fifth.

Wikipedia

Their inevitable violation by some, some of the time, does not vitiate their general observance as the crucial software of a decent, law abiding polity.

Huffington Post

See Sidgwick (1874, 484) ("… there may be rules of social behaviour of which the general observance is necessary to the well-being of the community, while yet a certain amount of non-observance is rather advantageous than otherwise").

SEP

What one gets is a dialogical principle of universalization (U): "A [moral norm] is valid just in case the foreseeable consequences and side-effects of its general observance for the interests and value-orientations of each individual could be jointly accepted by all concerned without coercion" (i.e., in a sufficiently reasonable discourse) (1998a, 42; trans. amended).

SEP

Habermas thus proposes a dialogical principle of universalization, (U), stating that a moral norm "is valid just in case the foreseeable consequences and side-effects of its general observance for the interests and value-orientations of each individual could be jointly accepted by all concerned without coercion" (Habermas 1998, 42).

SEP

As we will see, Mill thinks that much moral reasoning should be governed by secondary precepts or principles about such things as fidelity, fair play, and honesty that make no direct reference to utility but whose general observance does promote utility.

SEP

The two ideas behind this procedure are that norms are valid if they receive the consent of all the affected parties in unconstrained practical communication, and if the consequences of the general observance of the norms (in terms of how each person's interests are affected) are acceptable to all.

SEP

"As a general proposition, religious observance is an extremely important value," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger synonyms like "widespread adoption" if you want to convey a sense of active acceptance and implementation.

Common error

Avoid using "a general observance" when referring to something specific or limited. Ensure that the observance truly applies broadly, otherwise opt for terms like "specific application" or "limited adherence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general observance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of following or adhering to a rule, custom, or principle in a widespread manner. As per Ludwig AI analysis, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general observance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe widespread adherence to a rule, custom, or principle. While relatively rare in usage, as per Ludwig AI's assessment, it appears across diverse contexts, including scientific, news media, encyclopedic, and general sources. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various writing styles, but writers should ensure the context clearly establishes what is being observed. Alternatives like "common practice" or "widespread custom" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common practice

Replaces "observance" with "practice", focusing on the habitual aspect.

a widespread custom

Substitutes "observance" with "custom", highlighting traditional behavior.

a universal adherence

Emphasizes the extent of compliance with "universal" instead of "general".

a broad compliance

Focuses on conformity, using "compliance" instead of "observance".

a typical application

Shifts the focus to practical implementation, using "application".

a standard procedure

Replaces with a more formal and structured term, "procedure".

a regular enactment

Highlights the performance or execution aspect with "enactment".

a usual following

Focuses on adherence or support, using "following".

a prevalent keeping

Highlights the act of maintaining or preserving something with "keeping".

a noted respect

Changes the focus to admiration or esteem, using "respect".

FAQs

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

You can use "a general observance" to describe widespread adherence to a rule, custom, or principle. For example: "A general observance of traffic laws is crucial for road safety."

What are some alternatives to "a general observance"?

Alternatives include "a common practice", "a widespread custom", or "a universal adherence", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "general observance" or "specific observance"?

The choice depends on the scope of the observance. "General observance" implies widespread adherence, while "specific observance" refers to a particular instance or aspect.

What does "a general observance" imply about a rule or custom?

It implies that the rule or custom is widely followed or respected within a given group or society. Its the opposite of a more niche observance.