as a general thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a general thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a general principle or common understanding, often preceding a statement that applies broadly rather than in specific cases. Example: "As a general thing, people tend to prefer sunny weather over rainy days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As a general thing, such immense expeditions are failures.

The New York Times

I think that as a general thing, Americans had better keep their children at home.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have no time to go below surfaces, and as a general thing no disposition".What of the fears that telegraph companies would establish a monopoly over news?

The Economist

We had mighty good weather as a general thing, and nothing ever happened to us at all that night, not the next, nor the next.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He tweets about the best history textbooks, classroom displays as well as general things in the world of education that take his interest.

The Guardian

"As a general rule, things don't end well if the sentence starts with, 'Let me tell you something about the Negro,'" Obama said.

Huffington Post

As a general rule, things on the outside edges of the store are priced more cheaply, provided they're not in proximity to the cash register.

WikiHow

As a general rule, the only thing a politician loves more than getting attention is getting free attention — if that free attention isn't too embarrassing.

The New York Times

"As a general rule, the proper thing to do in every instance is to be honest with the patient about what the appropriate options are, whether they're covered or not," said the lead author of the study, Dr. Matthew K. Wynia.

The New York Times - Health

(PO notes, 30-year-old man) While visiting one of the families, I observed that as we had a chat on general things, a young woman present (a niece to the family head) was uneasy.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

When the family chatted after a meal, young women rarely contributed and did not look at their male relatives in the face, which would be perceived as lack of respect: While visiting one of the families, I observed that as we had a chat on general things, a young woman present (a niece to the family head) was uneasy.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, consider alternatives like "generally speaking" or "in general" for a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "as a general thing" to introduce statements that are based on limited experience or anecdotal evidence. Ensure sufficient evidence supports the generalization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a general thing" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the entire sentence. It serves to introduce a general statement or principle, setting the scope for the information that follows. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in broad observations. For instance, the example "As a general thing, such immense expeditions are failures" introduces a general claim.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a general thing" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a general statement or principle. While not exceptionally common, its use is supported by reputable sources, making it a reliable expression for generalization. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is valid. The best usage involves ensuring the statement is broadly applicable and suitable for the intended audience. Alternatives like "generally speaking" or "in general" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by supporting your statements with sufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Emphasis shifts from 'thing' to the action of speaking, making it more conversational.

in general

More concise and direct; omits 'thing' for brevity.

on the whole

Implies considering all aspects, providing a holistic view.

by and large

Suggests the statement is true despite some exceptions.

as a rule

Focuses on the regularity of the principle.

typically

Highlights the common or expected occurrence.

ordinarily

Similar to 'typically', but suggests a normal or usual state.

usually

Directly indicates the frequent or common nature.

for the most part

Acknowledges exceptions while asserting overall truth.

as a generality

Emphasizes the broad and non-specific nature of the statement.

FAQs

What does "as a general thing" mean?

The phrase "as a general thing" means generally speaking or in most cases. It's used to introduce a statement that is typically true, though there may be exceptions.

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

You can use "as a general thing" at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a broad statement. For example: "As a general thing, people enjoy spending time outdoors in the summer."

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

Some alternatives to "as a general thing" include "generally speaking", "in general", or "on the whole". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "in general" or "as a general thing"?

"In general" is often preferred in more formal contexts due to its conciseness. "As a general thing" is slightly more verbose but carries a similar meaning. Choose the option that best fits the tone and style of your writing.