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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are generally not

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "are generally not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make an indication of the context of an action or situation that is usually not the case. For example, "Locally produced fruits and vegetables are generally not available in the winter months".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reservations are generally not needed.

News & Media

The New York Times

(Appointments are generally not necessary).

Foreigners are generally not allowed.

Books are generally not included, either.

News & Media

The New York Times

They are generally not investment purchases.

News & Media

The New York Times

The photographs are generally not captioned.

Bingo players are generally not innovative types.

News & Media

The New York Times

Spam emails are generally not forwarded.

However, the tables are generally not normalized.

Pregnant women who seek tests are generally not charged.

News & Media

The New York Times

Gluttony and romance, alas, are generally not such happy bedfellows.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are generally not", consider adding a qualifying phrase or clause to provide context or explain the reason for the general exception.

Common error

Avoid using "are generally not" to make overly broad statements without acknowledging exceptions. Always consider if there are significant cases where the opposite is true.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are generally not" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a statement is typically untrue or that a certain condition usually does not hold. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It introduces a level of uncertainty, acknowledging potential exceptions to the general rule.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are generally not" is a versatile qualifier used to express that something is typically untrue, while acknowledging possible exceptions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and broad applicability across various writing styles. It's most frequently found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", and is best used to soften statements and introduce nuance, preventing overgeneralizations. When using "are generally not", remember to provide context and avoid overly broad claims. Related phrases like "are typically not" and "are usually not" can be used for a similar effect, adjusting the nuance as needed.

FAQs

How can I use "are generally not" in a sentence?

Use "are generally not" to express that something is typically untrue or does not usually happen. For example, "Online courses "are generally not eligible" for transfer credit".

What's a more formal way to say "are generally not"?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives like "are typically not" or "are usually not". These phrases convey a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated level of formality.

Are "are generally not" and "are not generally" interchangeable?

While similar, "are generally not" places more emphasis on the 'generally' aspect, suggesting exceptions exist. "Are not generally" emphasizes the negation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "are generally not" when I want to emphasize rarity?

To emphasize rarity, use phrases like "are rarely" or "are seldom". These options highlight the infrequency of the occurrence.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: