a very general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very general" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is broad or not specific in nature. Example: "The report provided a very general overview of the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is sometimes used colloquially to mean "bug" —a very general term, unlike the scientific "insect".

Wikipedia

We consider a very general singularity and generalize some recent results.

Boundary Value Problems

They are a very general starting point.

The New York Times

"Fortunately he spoke in a very general way".

The New York Times

It was informal and a very general chat.

The Guardian - Sport

But this must be supplemented by deeper explanations, because the rising was a very general affair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What the old system gave us is a very general calorific value," Dr Livesey said.

Independent

Seems to me it's a very general education that enables you to think critically".

The New York Times

This problem is a very general one.

SEP

They proved a very general theorem.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

This fact fits into a very general context.

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very general", ensure your audience understands the broader context. If more specificity is required, follow up with details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a very general" without providing any specific examples or details. Over reliance on general statements can make your writing vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very general" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is broad, not specific, or lacking in detail. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples of "a very general" modifying various nouns across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very general" serves as an adjective phrase to describe something broad and lacking in detail, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to provide a high-level overview across diverse contexts such as science, news, and encyclopedias. The register is typically neutral to formal. It's crucial to provide specific details following the use of "a very general" to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad

This alternative is shorter and emphasizes the wide scope or extent.

a wide-ranging

This alternative emphasizes the extensive scope or variety covered.

a comprehensive

This alternative highlights the inclusiveness and thoroughness of the subject.

a nonspecific

This alternative directly indicates a lack of specificity.

a sweeping

This alternative suggests covering a wide area or range, often superficially.

a surface-level

This alternative implies a lack of depth or detail.

a rudimentary

This alternative denotes something basic or undeveloped.

a high-level

This alternative indicates a focus on the overall perspective, omitting details.

an overall

This alternative focuses on the totality rather than specific parts.

a basic

This alternative suggests simplicity and lack of complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very general" to describe something that lacks detail or is broad in scope. For example, "The presentation provided "a very general" overview of the company's financials".

What are some alternatives to "a very general"?

Alternatives include "a broad", "a wide-ranging", or "a comprehensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific or "a very general" in writing?

The choice between being specific or using ""a very general"" approach depends on your audience and purpose. If your goal is to inform or persuade, specificity is usually preferred. If your goal is to introduce a topic, a more general overview might be appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "a very general" statement?

It's appropriate to use ""a very general"" statement when you want to provide a summary or overview, set the stage for more detailed information, or avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary specifics.