a general population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the overall group of people within a specific area or context, often in discussions about demographics or public health. Example: "The study aimed to assess the health outcomes of a general population over the age of 65."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sex and age-specific abridged life tables were generated for a general population and aSAH cohorts.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

At least that doesn't extrapolate from a general population to an individual.

The New York Times - Magazine

Remember this is a screening tool, for assessing dodgy behaviour in a general population.

The Guardian - Opinion

The relation of sleep complaints to respiratory symptoms in a general population.

Harvard University

To estimate the prevalence of uterine müllerian duct anomalies in a general population.

Fertility and Sterility

The objective of this study was to evaluate this association in a general population sample.

Journal of Psychosomatic Research

To investigate the course of low back pain (LBP) in a general population over 5 years.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

In a general population with an average risk of ovarian cancer, the false-positive rate could be different.

The New York Times

In a general population study in 1960, 92.2percentt of San Diego's 573,224 residents were white.

The New York Times - Sports

Pisinger C, Jorgensen T. Waist circumference and weight following smoking cessation in a general population: the Inter99 study.

Nature

Scientists could also test potential neuroprotective drugs in this group much more efficiently than in a general population.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general population", ensure that the context clearly defines the scope of the population being referred to. Be specific if you are discussing a general population within a particular geographic region, age group, or other defining characteristic.

Common error

Avoid making assumptions about "a general population" without sufficient data or evidence. Recognize the diversity within any population and avoid stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general population" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the entire group of individuals residing in a specific area or belonging to a particular category, according to Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a general population" is a noun phrase used to refer to the entire group of people in a specific geographic area, demographic category, or other defined context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While variations such as "the population at large" and "the broader public" exist, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately and avoid overgeneralizations. Overall, "a general population" is a useful phrase for describing and analyzing groups of people, and its appropriate usage ensures clarity and accuracy in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the population at large

Emphasizes the comprehensive inclusion of nearly all members within a given group.

the general public

Similar to "a general population" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on public awareness and accessibility.

the broader public

Shifts the focus to the community or society as a whole, implying inclusivity and openness.

the overall population

Highlights the entirety of the group without specifying any particular subgroup.

a standard population

Suggests a group that represents the typical characteristics and demographics of a larger group.

a typical population

Highlights the representativeness of the group, suggesting it embodies the characteristics of its kind.

the mainstream

Implies a widely accepted or prevalent group within a society or culture.

the common people

Focuses on ordinary individuals, contrasting with elite or specialized groups.

the average community

Specifies a group defined by geographic or social connections, emphasizing its ordinary nature.

the mass of people

Refers to a large, undifferentiated group of individuals, often in a social or political context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general population" to refer to the entire group of people living in a particular region or belonging to a specific demographic. For example, "The study aimed to assess the health outcomes of "a general population" over the age of 65."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the population at large", "the broader public", or "the overall population".

When is it appropriate to use the term "a general population"?

It's appropriate to use "a general population" when you want to refer to an entire group without focusing on specific subgroups or characteristics. It is commonly used in research, statistics, and public health.

What's the difference between ""a general population"" and "a sample population"?

"A general population" refers to the entire group, while a sample population is a subset of that group selected for study or analysis.