a general ruling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general ruling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad decision or judgment that applies to a wide range of situations or cases. Example: "The court issued a general ruling that clarified the application of the law in similar cases moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is not a general ruling about the word itself, or a call for a blanket ban.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Following decisions on five individual cases the court followed up in June with general ruling, known as a jurisprudential thesis, stating that laws restricting marriage to heterosexual couples were discriminatory and unconstitutional.

The Guardian

Today's decision sustained that general ruling, but expressed an interest in delving further into the question of the effect of race in such cases.

The New York Times

The free imperial cities, which had lost their religious homogeneity a few years earlier, were exceptions to the general ruling; Lutheran and Catholic citizens in these cities remained free to exercise their religion as they pleased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So by stating that they would only use nuclear weapons in "extreme circumstances," the nuclear weapon states avoided applying the general ruling of illegality to their nuclear weapons policies.

Huffington Post

By the 4th century, as urban centres decayed, the Christian emperors became remote figureheads who issued general rulings, no longer responding to individual petitions.

Wikipedia

A televised press conference last month, by a general on the ruling military council, placed the bookseller in the cross hairs.

The New York Times

In a briefing for a group of mostly American foreign reporters last week, a general on the ruling council appeared to try to reassert the military's authority over the constitution.

The New York Times

Even a general from the ruling council called the occupiers "honorable" while condemning those fighting nearby, even though they're largely the same people.

Vice

Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, was put under house arrest by the generals ruling Myanmar after a clash between her supporters and backers of the government in May.

The New York Times

The generals ruling the country at the time would have liked nothing more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a general ruling" when conveying how the ruling affects several aspects instead of a single narrow topic.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a general ruling" has universal authority when its scope is actually limited to a specific jurisdiction or situation. Be realistic about the actual extent of the ruling's influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general ruling" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a decision or judgment that has broad applicability. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a general ruling" is grammatically correct and used to describe a broad decision or judgment. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, with rare occurrence overall. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the scope of the ruling to avoid overstating its impact. Alternatives such as ""a broad decision"" or ""an overarching decree"" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad decision

Emphasizes the wide scope and applicability of the decision.

a universal judgment

Highlights the comprehensive nature and widespread acceptance of the judgment.

an overarching decree

Implies a formal and authoritative command that governs various aspects.

a widespread verdict

Focuses on the extensive reach and impact of the verdict.

a blanket pronouncement

Indicates a sweeping statement or declaration without specific exceptions.

a comprehensive resolution

Stresses the thoroughness and all-encompassing nature of the resolution.

a far-reaching determination

Highlights the extensive implications and consequences of the determination.

a sweeping judgment

Similar to "a broad decision", but with a stronger emphasis on the magnitude of the judgment.

a wide-ranging decision

Focuses on the diversity and extent of the areas affected by the decision.

a global resolution

Emphasizes the worldwide application and influence of the resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general ruling" to describe a decision that applies broadly to a range of cases or situations. For example, "The court issued "a general ruling" on the admissibility of evidence."

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

Alternatives include "a broad decision", "a universal judgment", or "an overarching decree" depending on the context.

Is "a general ruling" the same as "a specific ruling"?

No, "a general ruling" applies broadly, while a "specific ruling" addresses a particular case or situation. The former sets a precedent or guideline, whereas the latter resolves an individual dispute.

What is the difference between "a general ruling" and "a preliminary ruling"?

A "general ruling" provides a final decision on a broad issue. A "preliminary ruling", on the other hand, is an initial decision, often temporary, made before all the facts are known or a final judgment is reached.