a general policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general policy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad guideline or principle that applies to a particular situation or organization. Example: "The company has established a general policy regarding employee conduct to ensure a respectful workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(a)General policy.

Cornell University

There's a general policy pivot that I think this suggests.

Yale University

This paper develops a general policy for learning the relevant features of an imitation task.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

"As a general policy principle we are committed to conflict prevention and conflict resolution".

Independent

It is part of a general policy by successive authoritarian governments.

The Guardian - Opinion

And one that our esteemed editor, David Remnick, rightly objects to as a general policy.

The New Yorker

Since the late 1960s Singapore has pursued a general policy of export-oriented industrialization.

Britannica

He said it appeared to be "part of a general policy in relation to Zimbabwean nationals".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a general policy-based middleware, meeting the goals of service composition is only one of the targets that policy could address.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

(a)General Policy.

Cornell University

YPZ is a General Policy Group and Mammal Group member.

GigaScience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a general policy", ensure that the specific details and exceptions, if any, are clearly outlined to avoid ambiguity and ensure consistent application.

Common error

Avoid stating a "general policy" without providing any details or examples. Ensure to clarify the scope, limitations, and specific applications of the policy to make it actionable and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general policy" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a rule, regulation, or guideline that applies broadly across various situations or within an organization. Ludwig's examples show its usage in diverse contexts, such as government, business, and ethics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a general policy" is commonly used to describe broad guidelines or principles that apply to various situations, organizations, or contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using "a general policy", it's important to clarify the specifics to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "a standard policy", "a broad policy", and "an overarching policy". Ensuring clarity and providing specifics are crucial for effective communication when referring to "a general policy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standard policy

Replaces "general" with "standard", emphasizing uniformity and consistency across applications.

an overarching policy

Substitutes "general" with "overarching", highlighting the policy's comprehensive scope and influence.

a broad policy

Replaces "general" with "broad", focusing on the policy's wide-ranging nature and applicability.

a common practice

Shifts from a formal policy to a more informal yet established method or procedure widely adopted.

a customary procedure

Highlights the habitual and traditional nature of the process, suggesting established use over time.

a prevailing guideline

Focuses on the guiding aspect of the policy, suggesting it's a dominant or widely accepted principle.

an established protocol

Emphasizes the formal and structured nature of the policy, implying a well-defined set of procedures.

a routine procedure

Highlights the habitual and non-exceptional nature of the process.

an accepted norm

Shifts the focus to a socially accepted standard or behavior, rather than a formally instituted rule.

a universal guideline

Highlights that the guideline is accepted virtually everywhere and applies to everyone.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general policy" to describe a broad rule or guideline that an organization or individual follows. For example: "As a general policy, the company does not offer refunds after 30 days."

What is the difference between "a general policy" and "a specific policy"?

"A general policy" refers to a broad guideline applicable in many situations, while "a specific policy" is a detailed rule designed for particular circumstances. General policies provide overall direction, whereas specific policies offer precise instructions.

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

You can use alternatives such as "a standard policy", "a broad policy", or "an overarching policy" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a general policy" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing organizational guidelines or governmental regulations. Ensure that the policy is clearly defined and consistently applied.