a generic sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"a generic sense" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a broad or general feeling, understanding, or idea. For example: "Citizens of this town all had a generic sense of trust and respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The term used in a narrow sense also applies to the walkways or alleys themselves (the central area being the cloister garth), in a general sense to the houses of religious orders, and in a generic sense to places of retreat for religious purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Silveira said he was only speaking in a "generic" sense.

The New Yorker

I'd say transplantation in a generic sense — liver, kidney, pancreas.

The New York Times

I was one person speaking out with experience who did see, in a generic sense, the writing on the wall".

The Guardian - Business

The term dock is still often used in a generic sense to indicate all waterfront docking facilities, either dry basin or berthing structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

DeMenocal traced the shift to periodic variations in the earth's orbit, which, in a generic sense, are the same forces that trigger ice ages.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The third configuration ("Configuration C") is representative of a generic sensing scheme where multiple sensors are networked and distributed all over the body without local clustering.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

One way of taking account of this is by speaking (as above) explicitly of the philosophies (in the plural) of the Vienna Circle (and to avoid the singular definite description) while using the expression "Vienna Circle philosophy" (without an article) in a neutral generic sense.

SEP

While the movement's implications have sometimes been interpreted in a very broad way (which may incorporate problem solving in a very generic sense, so called "lateral thinking", and information literacy), a key theme is the importance of argument and argument assessment in educational curricula.

SEP

For the duration of the writing, the title was "An Atonement," then after reading the manuscript, Timothy Garton Ash, an Oxford professor and author who is one of Mr. McEwan's friends, suggested that he remove the "an," because the novel was not just about Briony's search for atonement but a more generic sense of redemption, about guilt as something "too great to expiate".

The New York Times - Books

The PT is important for many FP applications, and the unique chromophore provides a convenient optical handle by which to follow PT within proteins in a more generic sense.

Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a generic sense", ensure the context clarifies what aspect is being understood or felt generally. For instance, specify "a generic sense of unease" or "a generic sense of obligation" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a generic sense" without providing any specific context. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken your message. Instead of saying 'There's a generic sense about it', specify what that sense is related to: 'There's a generic sense of dissatisfaction with the current policy'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generic sense" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It often describes an overall feeling, awareness, or perception that lacks specific detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generic sense" is a versatile phrase used to denote a broad understanding, feeling, or awareness. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to provide sufficient context to prevent overgeneralization and ensure clarity. Related phrases such as "a universal sense" or "a broad understanding" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively utilize "a generic sense" to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a universal sense

Implies applicability to everyone or everything, suggesting a broader scope than "a generic sense".

a broad understanding

Focuses on comprehension rather than a general feeling or awareness.

a general idea

Highlights a vague or non-specific concept, potentially less nuanced than "a generic sense".

a common understanding

Suggests a shared or widespread comprehension, adding a social dimension absent in "a generic sense".

a widespread feeling

Emphasizes emotion or sentiment being generally held, shifting the focus from understanding.

a basic awareness

Indicates a minimal level of knowledge or consciousness, implying less depth than "a generic sense".

a rudimentary grasp

Focuses on initial or incomplete comprehension, suggesting the subject is still being learned.

an overall impression

Highlights a subjective perception based on limited information, differing from objective understanding.

a general feeling

Emphasizes a sentiment, diverging from a cognitive understanding.

a conceptual overview

Focuses on a high-level theoretical framework rather than a sensory or emotional experience.

FAQs

How can I use "a generic sense" in a sentence?

Use "a generic sense" to describe a broad or general feeling, understanding, or idea. For example: "The town had "a generic sense" of community".

What phrases are similar to "a generic sense"?

Alternatives include "a universal sense", "a broad understanding", or "a general idea", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a generic sense" or "a specific sense"?

It depends on the level of detail required. Use "a generic sense" when referring to a general feeling or understanding. Use "a specific sense" if you need to highlight a particular detail.

What's the difference between "a generic sense" and "a vague sense"?

"A generic sense" refers to a broad, general understanding, while "a vague sense" implies a lack of clarity or definition. The former is general; the latter is unclear.