are generally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are generally" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to introduce a general statement, especially one that is widely accepted or agreed upon. For example, "Most people are generally agreeable to the idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Polyps are generally sedentary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Caryopses are generally dry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are generally ignored.

The New York Times - Sports

Hours are generally flexible.

The New York Times

Honorees are generally American.

The New York Times - Arts

"Dogs are generally workable".

The New York Times

Republicans are generally opposed.

The New York Times - Health

Takeover defenses are generally prohibited.

The New York Times

Fake I.D.s are generally accepted.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, orangutans are generally silent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eukaryotic microbes are generally aerobic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are generally" to introduce a statement that is true in most cases but may have exceptions. This helps to set expectations and avoid overgeneralizations.

Common error

Avoid using "are generally" when the statement applies universally. Using "are generally" implies exceptions, so ensure these exist to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are generally" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies the verb phrase, indicating that the action or state is true in most cases but not necessarily all. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

26%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are generally" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey generalizations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and wiki entries, indicating a neutral register. Remember to use "are generally" when you want to express that something is typically true but not universally so. Alternatives such as "are typically" or "are usually" can be used for variety, but "are generally" remains a robust and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are typically

Emphasizes typicality or usual occurrence.

are usually

Highlights common or habitual occurrence.

are commonly

Focuses on widespread or frequent occurrence.

are normally

Suggests a standard or expected state.

tend to be

Indicates a tendency or inclination.

are prone to be

Implies a susceptibility or vulnerability.

are inclined to be

Suggests a natural preference or disposition.

are, more often than not

Expresses a high probability or frequency.

are, for the most part

Indicates that something is true in most cases, but not always.

are by and large

Suggests a broad generalization with possible exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "are generally" in a sentence?

Use "are generally" to make a statement that is typically true, but not always. For example, "Restaurants "are generally" open for dinner" indicates that most, but not all, restaurants are open during those hours.

What phrases are similar to "are generally"?

Alternatives to "are generally" include "are typically", "are usually", or "are commonly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "are generally" in formal writing?

Yes, "are generally" is appropriate for formal writing as it introduces a generalization without claiming a universal truth. It's suitable for academic, business, and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "are generally" and "are always"?

"Are generally" indicates a trend or common occurrence with exceptions, whereas "are always" suggests a universal truth without any exceptions. Using "are always" can lead to overgeneralizations, while "are generally" acknowledges potential variability.