as a general matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a general matter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You use it to refer to a certain topic in a broad and general sense. For example: "As a general matter, it is important to follow the guidelines for proper nutrition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You mean, as a general matter?

The Washington Post

As a general matter, boards confront evolving and complex challenges.

Harvard University

As a general matter — sure, Barbara Bush is right.

The Washington Post

As a general matter, you are free to establish links to Web pages.

Princeton University

"The position of Justice Stevens cannot be right as a general matter," she said later.

The New York Times

As a general matter, the effects of American policy are hardly confined within American borders.

The Economist

As a general matter, federal laws trump conflicting state laws under the Constitution's supremacy clause.

The New York Times

Public defenders are, as a general matter, the hardest working sect of the legal bar.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said in an interview he believed primary competition was healthy, as a general matter.

The New York Times

Of course, as a general matter, "the interpretation of constitutional principles must not be too literal.

The New York Times

He was simply asked if, as a general matter, waterboarding is illegal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a general matter" to introduce broad statements or principles that apply in most situations, but be aware that exceptions may exist. It adds a degree of formality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as a general matter" in very casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "in general" or "usually" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a general matter" functions as an adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It modifies a clause or sentence, providing context about the generality or broad applicability of the statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

35%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a general matter" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce broad statements or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While it's prevalent in news and academic writing, its formality might make it less suitable for casual conversation. Remember that it suggests the statement is generally true, but exceptions may exist. When considering alternatives, "in general" or "generally speaking" can provide similar meaning with slightly less formality. When writing, be mindful of your audience and the desired tone to determine if "as a general matter" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

This alternative is more concise and direct, omitting "a matter".

generally speaking

This alternative emphasizes the act of making a generalization.

on the whole

This alternative suggests considering all aspects of a situation.

by and large

This alternative implies that exceptions may exist, but they do not negate the overall trend.

typically

This alternative focuses on what usually happens or is the case.

in most cases

This alternative acknowledges exceptions but highlights the most common scenario.

as a rule

This alternative indicates a standard practice or guideline.

for the most part

This alternative suggests that something is true in the majority of instances.

in the majority of instances

This alternative highlights the prevalence of a specific scenario.

ordinarily

This alternative suggests what is normal or customary.

FAQs

How can I use "as a general matter" in a sentence?

You can use "as a general matter" to introduce a broad statement or principle. For example, "As a general matter, it is important to follow safety guidelines."

What's a less formal alternative to "as a general matter"?

Less formal alternatives include "in general", "generally speaking", or "usually".

Is it always appropriate to use "as a general matter"?

While grammatically correct, "as a general matter" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing before using it.

What's the difference between "as a general matter" and "in particular"?

"As a general matter" introduces a broad statement, while "in particular" focuses on a specific example or detail. They serve opposite purposes in a sentence.