as a general thesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a general thesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a broad or overarching argument or idea that serves as a foundation for further discussion or analysis. Example: "As a general thesis, one could argue that climate change is primarily driven by human activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Even here a caveat is needed, however, since those FA theories that aspire merely to capture some values may not accept normative reduction as a general thesis).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This work has sometimes been designed to support a general thesis in the philosophy of science, such as the 'semantic view' of theories (Lloyd 1988).

SEP

A twelve-year-old with reality-TV experience and her own line of leotards offers a general thesis for our moment: "There is no such thing as a regular 9 to 5," she cheerfully explains.

The New Yorker

A general thesis permeates the discussions in the two volumes.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

A general thesis propounded by Hartmann is that ideal being is incomplete being, and for this reason it is more general than real being (G.38; A.31a).

SEP

Openness requires that, as a general policy, thesis research should not be undertaken on campus when the results may not be published.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Aslan follows Mr. Brandon in his general thesis as well as in many details, a borrowing that should have been better acknowledged.

The New York Times - Books

Brandon, author of the well-known 1967 book "Jesus and the Zealots". In a New York Times book review, Martin, the Yale professor, writes that Aslan "follows Mr. Brandon in his general thesis as well as many details". Martin and some others would have preferred Aslan give more credit to Brandon; Aslan says the renowned scholar is frequently cited in the book's extensive notes.

The Washington Post

Even so, as will be clear from Aristotle's discussion, this general thesis will require a host of qualifications.

SEP

These are all various elements in the general thesis that a proposition's having the modal characteristics it has (such as necessity, possibility) is not a contingent matter but is determined by logical considerations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It turns out that Life can compute everything a universal Turing machine can and therefore, given Turing's Thesis, function as a general purpose computer: a suitable selection of initial conditions can ensure that the system carry out arbitrary algorithmic procedures.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a general thesis" to introduce a core idea that will be further developed and supported throughout your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as a general thesis" when introducing a very specific or nuanced argument. Ensure the thesis truly represents a broad, overarching concept before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a general thesis" functions primarily as an introductory prepositional phrase that sets the stage for a broad statement or argument. It indicates that what follows is intended as a foundational idea upon which further reasoning or analysis will be built. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a general thesis" serves as an introductory marker, signaling a broad, overarching claim or argument. It's primarily utilized in formal, academic, and scientific contexts to frame a discussion within a larger conceptual or theoretical framework. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for introducing foundational ideas. While not exceedingly common, it effectively sets the stage for further elaboration and support. When using this phrase, ensure the thesis truly represents a broad concept to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a broad theory

Emphasizes the theoretical aspect of the general thesis.

as a main argument

Highlights the argumentative function of the thesis.

as an overarching concept

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the idea.

as a fundamental principle

Stresses the basic or foundational nature of the thesis.

as a primary hypothesis

Emphasizes the thesis as a starting point for investigation.

as a prevailing idea

Highlights the widespread acceptance or influence of the thesis.

as a central theme

Focuses on the recurring or unifying element of the thesis.

as a global perspective

Emphasizes the broad scope and applicability of the thesis.

as a comprehensive view

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the thesis.

as a dominant framework

Focuses on the structuring or organizing role of the thesis.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as a general thesis" in a sentence?

Begin by presenting the broad idea or argument, then use "as a general thesis" to explicitly identify it as such, setting the stage for further elaboration and supporting evidence. For instance, "Humans impact the environment in multiple ways; "as a general thesis", we can say modern lifestyles are inherently unsustainable".

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

Consider using alternatives like "as a broad theory", "as a main argument", or "as an overarching concept" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "as a general thesis" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or analytical contexts where a broad, overarching argument is being presented. Its formality level is appropriate for scholarly discourse.

What distinguishes "as a general thesis" from "as a specific argument"?

"As a general thesis" introduces a broad, overarching claim, while "as a specific argument" would present a more focused, detailed point. The former sets the stage for a wider discussion, while the latter delves into a particular aspect of a topic.