as a general policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a general policy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a standard or typical approach that is generally followed in a particular context or organization. Example: "As a general policy, we do not allow personal devices in the workplace to ensure security and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"As a general policy principle we are committed to conflict prevention and conflict resolution".

Independent

And one that our esteemed editor, David Remnick, rightly objects to as a general policy.

The New Yorker

"As a general policy, we don't discuss our FOIAs until we write about them," Mr. Braun said.

The New York Times

Jean-Luc Jean-Luc Gironde Ouvrière spokesman in Paris, said the union did not advocate nationalization as a general policy.

The New York Times

As a general policy, he said, incidents resulting in suspensions of four games or fewer are discussed only by telephone.

The New York Times - Sports

Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly said that as a general policy, the IG's office does not disclose information about investigations.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Brand dismissed the minute of silence as part of a "general policy of bulls**t" which he claimed was so the Government "can continue selling arms around the world and perpetuating a cycle where its own needs are met at the expense of its own citizens".

Independent

Finland enjoyed wide autonomy and its own Senate until the turn of the century, when Russia began attempts to assimilate Finland as part of a general policy to strengthen central government and unify the Empire by Russification.

Wikipedia

This raises the question: what sounds to you like a better parallel with the Soviet monolith, government officials threatening an academic institution because they disapprove of the ideological content of an event being held there, or a department agreeing to sponsor that event as part of a general policy to encourage student endeavors?

Huffington Post

If they answered 'yes', they were also asked whether they had ever had one of their regular medicines changed by their GP surgery or pharmacist as part of a general policy (Q8; yes 31%, no 60% and unsure 9%) and whether they were asked first (Q9; yes 58%, no 39% and unsure 5%).

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

From my perspective as a young feminist who held a general policy of not praying in sex-segregated space, these compromises were too much.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a general policy", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of the specific policy in question. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as a general policy" when the policy has many exceptions or isn't consistently applied. Using the phrase when the policy is not truly general can mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a general policy" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase, setting the context for a statement about a common or standard practice. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a general policy" is a common and grammatically sound introductory phrase used to present established rules or practices. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating its suitability for formal communication. While alternatives like "as a standard practice" or "under normal circumstances" exist, "as a general policy" specifically implies a formalized, deliberate approach. When using the phrase, ensure the policy is indeed general and consistently applied to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a standard practice

Focuses on the routine aspect of the policy.

as a customary procedure

Emphasizes the established and traditional nature of the policy.

as a common rule

Highlights the widespread application of the policy.

as a typical approach

Stresses the usual manner of dealing with situations.

under normal circumstances

Indicates the policy applies in the absence of exceptional conditions.

ordinarily

A single-word adverb that conveys the usual course of action.

by and large

Suggests that the policy is generally true, even if there are exceptions.

for the most part

Similar to "by and large", indicating a general tendency.

in most cases

Highlights the frequency with which the policy is applied.

on average

Implies the policy reflects a statistical norm.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a general policy" to introduce a common practice or rule within an organization or context. For example: "As a general policy, we require all employees to attend the safety training."

What are some alternatives to "as a general policy"?

Alternatives to "as a general policy" include "as a standard practice", "as a common rule", or "under normal circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as a general policy" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a general policy" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly and concisely introduces established practices or rules. However, ensure the policy is indeed general and consistently applied.

What's the difference between "as a general policy" and "as a rule"?

While both "as a general policy" and "as a rule" indicate common practices, "as a general policy" often implies a more formal and deliberate decision-making process behind the practice. "As a rule" can be more informal and refer to unwritten customs.