a general thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general thing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is common or widespread, rather than specific or individual. Example: "It's a general thing for children to dislike vegetables, but my son loves them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

As a general thing, such immense expeditions are failures.

The New York Times

It's not a general thing – it's not everybody.

The Guardian

I think that as a general thing, Americans had better keep their children at home.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is a general thing: liberals are happy being unhappy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think it's a general thing with comedians, the fact that you repeat yourself all the time.

The Guardian

"But the law does not inquire, as a general thing, how far the accomplishment of an assurance touching the furture is within the power of the promisor.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Is a thing, general thing with the referees today that with the Hawk Eye I believe that they feels that they have less pressure than before.

The New York Times

However the category choice is a very general thing.

TechCrunch

That seems like a big and general thing to want to change.

The Guardian - Opinion

(PO notes, 30-year-old man) While visiting one of the families, I observed that as we had a chat on general things, a young woman present (a niece to the family head) was uneasy.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

When the family chatted after a meal, young women rarely contributed and did not look at their male relatives in the face, which would be perceived as lack of respect: While visiting one of the families, I observed that as we had a chat on general things, a young woman present (a niece to the family head) was uneasy.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a general thing" when you want to indicate that something is broadly applicable or commonly observed, rather than specific to a particular instance. For example, "It's a general thing for people to feel nervous before a presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "a general thing" as a substitute for more precise language. Ensure the context supports the broad generalization and avoid making sweeping statements that may not be accurate or inclusive. Instead, consider whether "a common occurrence" or "a typical situation" may be more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general thing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It refers to something common, widespread, or typical. As evidenced by Ludwig, it can be used to express a broad observation or understanding about a topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

29%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a general thing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote something widespread or typical, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting its versatility across different registers. While broadly applicable, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring that it doesn't lead to overgeneralizations. When a more precise term is needed, consider alternatives like ""a common occurrence"" or ""a typical situation"". Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's utility in conveying broad observations and understandings, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of the event, rather than its conceptual nature.

a typical situation

Highlights the standard or expected nature of the circumstance.

a widespread phenomenon

Emphasizes the broad reach and prevalence of the event or idea.

a prevailing trend

Indicates a current direction or pattern that is commonly observed.

a universal aspect

Suggests an element that is present in almost all instances or cases.

a routine matter

Highlights the habitual and unremarkable nature of the issue.

a standard practice

Refers to an established and accepted way of doing things.

a regular feature

Emphasizes the consistent presence of something.

a usual element

Indicates that something is a typical part of a larger whole.

a shared attribute

Focuses on a characteristic that is common to multiple entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general thing" to describe something that is common or widespread, such as "It's "a general thing" for people to feel anxious before public speaking."

What can I say instead of "a general thing"?

You can use alternatives like "a common occurrence", "a typical situation", or "a widespread phenomenon" depending on the context.

Is "a general thing" formal or informal?

"A general thing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider using more precise language in formal writing, like "a prevailing trend" or "a universal aspect".

When should I avoid using "a general thing"?

Avoid using "a general thing" when you need to be specific or precise. If the situation or characteristic is not truly widespread, using a more descriptive phrase will provide better clarity.