an general increase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an general increase" is not correct in written English.
It should be "a general increase" because "general" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "There has been a general increase in the number of participants this year compared to last year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Each successive generation represents a general increase in libertarian attitudes and irreverence towards institutions", says Dr Poutet.

The Telegraph

If the patient experiences an overall improvement, a general increase in energy, I call the aggravation homeopathic aggravation.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

It is therefore not likely that our observation is a result of a general increase in nucleosome density.

Epigenetics

But has now set up an automated process, noting that a general increase in BTC transactions "over the years" has made its prior manual system unworkable.

TechCrunch

Rather, simulated [M] showed a general increase, followed by a plateau and slight decline as [Femed] increased.

Biochemistry

Electrical conductance measurements, carried out in a conventional Pyrex dipping cell, showed a general increase with increasing temperature.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Earlier this year, in January 2017, CIVIC filed a federal civil rights complaint about a general increase in family and community visitation denials at Adelanto.

HuffPost

A general increase in household counts, and an overall increase in induced household expenditure occurs under the biomass scenario.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

But the bottom of the Premier League is stronger than ever thanks a couple really strong Championship sides and a general increase in parity across the league.

Forbes

Infantis resulted from a general increase in different biotypes or a successful spread of 1 clone.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

A general increase of protein-coding genes with an assigned GO term could be achieved in V1.6.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article "a" instead of "an" before "general" because "general" begins with a consonant sound. For example, say "a general increase" rather than "an general increase".

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words starting with a consonant sound. Remember that "general" begins with the consonant 'g', so the correct article to use is "a", not "an".

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a determiner + adjective + noun, but it contains a grammatical error. The indefinite article "an" is incorrectly used before the word "general", which begins with a consonant sound. Ludwig AI identifies this as an error.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an general increase" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "a general increase". This is because "general" begins with a consonant sound, requiring the article "a". Ludwig AI flags this error, emphasizing the importance of using the correct article. While the intended meaning is to describe a widespread rise, using the grammatically correct form is essential for clear communication. Alternatives like "a widespread increase" or "an overall increase" can also be used, ensuring grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread increase

Replaces "general" with "widespread", indicating a broad and common increase.

a broad increase

Substitutes "general" with "broad", suggesting an increase that affects many areas or aspects.

an overall increase

Focuses on the total effect, using "overall" instead of "general".

a universal increase

Changes "general" to "universal", implying an increase that affects everyone or everything.

a common increase

Replaces "general" with "common", indicating that the increase is frequently observed.

a substantial increase

Emphasizes the size of the increase by using the word "substantial".

a significant increase

Highlights the importance of the increase, using "significant" as a substitute for "general".

a marked increase

Replaces "general" with "marked", suggesting that the increase is easily noticeable or distinct.

a noticeable increase

Changes "general" to "noticeable", indicating that the increase is easily observed.

a global increase

Replaces "general" with "global", focusing on the increase at a worldwide level.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "an general increase"?

The correct way to say it is "a general increase" because the word "general" starts with a consonant sound.

What can I say instead of "an general increase"?

Since "an general increase" is grammatically incorrect, you can use alternatives like "a widespread increase", "a broad increase", or "an overall increase" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an general increase" or "a general increase"?

"A general increase" is correct. The article "a" is used before words that start with a consonant sound, such as "general".

What's the difference between "an overall increase" and "a general increase"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "an overall increase" emphasizes the total or cumulative increase, whereas "a general increase" suggests a widespread or common rise. Note that "a general increase" is grammatically correct, unlike "an general increase".