a general practice of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general practice of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or standard way of doing something within a particular context or field. Example: "In our organization, there is a general practice of conducting regular performance reviews to ensure employee development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This is a general practice of all fleets around the world, to be there when a tension level increases.

The Guardian

The agency also made a general practice of embracing industry innovations, including some with the greatest risk.

The New York Times

William T. Vollmann, in his dense study of the types of violence, "Rising Up and Rising Down," tries to place Brown within a general practice of personal violence and expiation through discipline.

The New Yorker

'I intend that I walk home' can only be read as an intention with a habitual object, describing a general practice of getting home on foot; it is not directed at a particular action.

SEP

The two most common questions--did I not drink alcohol, and did I do yoga--pointed back to the only context that made local sense: Tolstoy's vegetarianism as part of a general practice of asceticism.

Huffington Post

As a general practice of pattern recognition, the final predictor coefficients are never applied because of the high variance.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is a general practice to invite the sisters of the groom as well.

WikiHow

Of these, 326 patients (157 women) had a general practice record of undefined chest pain before the index episode of angina.

British Medical Journal

One woman with a HES record of ischaemic stroke had a general practice record of a transient ischaemic attack.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Women with a HES record of transient ischaemic attack (G45) were more likely than those with a diagnosis of stroke or other cerebrovascular disorder I60-I699) to have a general practice record of a related, rather than the same, diagnosis.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

A spokesman for Ms. Rell, Adam Liegeot, said that as a general practice, members of the local news media are informed whenever she leaves the state, even if it is to visit New York.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general practice of", ensure the context clearly defines what specific area or field the practice relates to. For example, "In software development, there is "a general practice of" code review."

Common error

Avoid using "a general practice of" when referring to something specific or unique. This phrase implies a widespread and common approach, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general practice of" functions as a noun phrase, describing a customary or widespread method within a specific field or context. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is considered usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a general practice of" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a common or standard way of doing something. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts. While not exceptionally common, its usage is consistent and appropriate across diverse fields. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific area or domain to which the practice applies. Alternatives such as ""a common method for"" and ""a standard procedure for"" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common method for

Focuses more on the standardized way of doing something.

a standard procedure for

Emphasizes the procedural aspect and established nature of the practice.

a typical approach to

Highlights the approach or strategy commonly used.

a routine way of

Suggests something is done as a matter of course or habit.

an established habit of

Focuses on the habitual aspect of the practice.

a widespread custom of

Emphasizes the broad acceptance and cultural aspect of the practice.

a prevailing tendency to

Highlights a dominant inclination or trend.

a regular pattern of

Indicates a consistent and predictable sequence of actions.

a frequent manner of

Emphasizes the high occurrence rate of the practice.

an ordinary course of

Underlines the common or unremarkable nature of the practice.

FAQs

How can I use "a general practice of" in a sentence?

You can use "a general practice of" to describe common or standard ways of doing things in a particular context. For example, "There is "a general practice of" backing up data daily."

What are some alternatives to "a general practice of"?

You can use alternatives like "a common method for", "a standard procedure for", or "a typical approach to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a general practice of" or should I use another phrase?

"A general practice of" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The appropriateness depends on the context. If you want to emphasize a rule, consider "standard procedure".

What's the difference between "a general practice of" and "a common practice of"?

While similar, "a general practice of" suggests something is widely done and accepted, while "a common practice of" simply implies that it occurs frequently. The subtle difference lies in the implication of endorsement or standardization.