as a general rule

USAGE SUMMARY

'as a general rule' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to state a general fact or principle that you usually apply when you do something. Example: "As a general rule, you should always wear a seatbelt when driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This, as a general rule, is true.

Cornell University

As a general rule, I resist that.

The Guardian - Film

As a general rule, vernacular materials are never duplicated.

Columbia University

As a general rule vernacular materials are never duplicated.

Columbia University

As a general rule, keep it concise and positive.

The Guardian

As a general rule, these exhibitions aren't cheap.

The New York Times - Arts

(As a general rule, inflection substitutes for reason).

The New York Times

As a general rule we don't respond to surveys.

The Guardian - Sport

As a general rule, my family dislike mushrooms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But as a general rule the excuse department is closed.

TechCrunch

As a general rule, I hate getting rained on.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a general rule", be sure to acknowledge that exceptions may exist to the statement you are making.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "general rule" as an absolute truth; always consider and acknowledge potential exceptions. Failing to do so can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a general rule" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the statement is a general principle or common occurrence, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

15%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a general rule" is a versatile phrase used to introduce statements that are typically true but may have exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Remember to acknowledge potential exceptions to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "generally speaking" or "typically" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Therefore, understanding how to employ this expression is crucial for a number of reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Rephrases the rule as a broader observation.

typically

Single word replacement. Implies something that usually happens.

usually

Single word replacement. Indicates the common way something occurs.

as a rule of thumb

Suggests a practical but not always precise guideline.

in general terms

Introduces a broad statement that might have exceptions.

in most cases

Focuses on the frequency of the occurrence.

for the most part

Highlights that the statement is true in the majority of instances.

ordinarily

Single word replacement that highlights common practice.

more often than not

Emphasizes the higher probability of something happening.

on average

Indicates a statistical tendency rather than a strict rule.

FAQs

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

Use "as a general rule" to introduce a statement that is typically true, but may have exceptions. For example, "As a general rule, you should save 15% of each paycheck."

What phrases are similar to "as a general rule"?

You can use alternatives like "generally speaking", "in most cases", or "typically" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it okay to use "as a general rule" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a general rule" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts.

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

"As a general rule" indicates something that is usually true, while "always" implies that something is true without exception. Therefore, "as a general rule" is more flexible and acknowledges potential exceptions, unlike "always".