a general remark

USAGE SUMMARY

"a general remark" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a comment that is applicable to a wide range of situations. For example, "Making assumptions about people can lead to trouble; it's a general remark that we should all keep in mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

As a general remark, we may observe that De Bruijn sequences generally perform slightly better than OVSF sequences, thanks to their more favorable autocorrelation profiles, with respect to OVSF codes.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

But, as a general remark, how could we not agree?

The New Yorker

As a general remark, the behaviour seemed controlled by the mixture composition before the fluidity point and by the mixture consistency after the fluidity point.

Construction and Building Materials

As a general remark, the influence of the adopted key-frame detection algorithm should be investigated.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

As a general remark from the reviewed studies, having a through-thickness z-binder (ORT and AI) can suppress delamination and delay final failure.

Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Modern Processes

The aim of this separation is to find a solution for a general remark depicted in the final section about obtaining a method for a minimality test by using generating functions (see Section 4 below).

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Reviewer's comment: As a more general remark, one should appreciate that distinction should be made between situations that are covered by weak altruism (where the altruist pays only a relative fitness cost) and those that rest on strong altruism.

Biology Direct

First, a couple general remarks.

The New York Times

A northern general remarked, "The shutdown will hurt us but it will kill them".

The New York Times

Beyond a few general remarks we are left in the dark about the significance and originality of Bentham's sexual ideas, and their relationship to the intellectual currents of his time.

The Guardian - Books

Now that he knows that Petit changed his mind, Descartes has no reason to react to him personally — in the new preface he limits himself to a few general remarks about the criticisms that reached him concerning the Discourse, without naming anybody".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general remark", ensure it introduces a broad statement that sets the context for more specific details to follow. This helps in providing a clear and structured argument.

Common error

Avoid starting every paragraph with "a general remark", as this can make your writing sound repetitive and lacking in specific insights. Balance general statements with concrete examples and detailed analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general remark" functions as an introductory device, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to make a broad statement or observation. It sets the stage for more detailed discussion or analysis, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general remark" serves as an introductory phrase to signal a broad statement or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and useful across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While not extremely common, it's a reliable way to set the stage for more detailed discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that it is followed by specific examples and evidence to support your point and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad observation

Replaces "remark" with "observation", emphasizing the act of noticing something noteworthy.

a common statement

Uses "statement" instead of "remark", highlighting the act of declaring something.

a typical comment

Substitutes "general" with "typical", suggesting that the remark is representative or standard.

a universal observation

Replaces "general" with "universal" which implies that this remark is applicable to all.

a widespread comment

Uses "widespread" to show that the comment is known by most people.

a global note

Replaces both general and remark, by using a more concise version.

an overall thought

It shifts the emphasis slightly towards internal reflection rather than a direct statement.

a blanket statement

Suggests the remark covers a wide range of situations without specific details.

a sweeping generalization

Implies the remark is broad and not necessarily accurate in all cases.

a public declaration

It emphasizes the formality and open nature of the remark.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a general remark" in a sentence?

Use "a general remark" to introduce a broad concept or observation before diving into specifics. This helps establish context and guide the reader's understanding. For example: "A general remark is that clear communication is key to successful collaboration."

What are some alternatives to using "a general remark" in writing?

Consider using phrases like "a broad observation", "a typical comment", or "an overall thought" to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "a general remark" is suitable for formal writing when introducing a broad concept. However, ensure that you follow it with specific evidence and examples to support your point.

What's the difference between "a general remark" and "a specific remark"?

"A general remark" introduces a broad statement, while a "specific remark" focuses on a particular detail or instance. Use general remarks to set the stage and specific remarks to provide supporting evidence.