as general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as general" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison or stating something in a broad or non-specific manner. Example: "As general guidelines, we recommend that all participants arrive at least 30 minutes early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the book is as general as it is generous.

The New York Times - Books

Be as general as possible.

WikiHow

Stefanski will stay as general manager.

The New York Times

And how about Terence Stamp as General Beck?

The New Yorker

Brenda Dean also lost out as General Secretary.

Independent

Served as general Eisenhower's surgeon, Versailles Shaef.

The New York Times

Bill Bavasi resigned four weeks later as general manager.

The New York Times - Sports

They are known as general aviation, or public-use, airports.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A lawyer, he joined Gannett as general counsel and secretary.

The New York Times

Haye came to Germany about as popular as General Motors.

The Guardian - Sport

Dadis introduced him to me as General Sékouba Konaté.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as general" when you want to describe something broadly, without specific details. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as general" when specific details are needed. Overly broad statements can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of actionable information. Always consider whether adding specifics would enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as general" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify nouns or verbs by providing context. Ludwig examples shows it is often used to introduce guidelines or broad statements, clarifying the scope of the information presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as general" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce broad statements and guidelines. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While versatile, avoid over-generalization and ensure clarity. Ludwig's examples show that alternatives like "in general" and "generally speaking" can offer clearer or more common phrasing depending on the specific context. Use "as general" when setting the scope of a discussion or providing a high-level overview.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

Switches the preposition and adjective, creating a more common and versatile phrase.

generally speaking

Replaces "as general" with an adverbial phrase indicating a broad statement.

broadly speaking

Similar to "generally speaking", emphasizing a non-specific, wide-ranging view.

on the whole

Offers a more holistic perspective, summarizing a situation broadly.

by and large

Similar to "on the whole", suggesting a broad overview with minor exceptions.

as a whole

Presents a complete, overall perspective, considering all aspects.

as a rule

Implies a typical or common occurrence, introducing a general principle.

for the most part

Highlights the majority aspect, acknowledging possible exceptions.

in most cases

Focuses on the frequency of a particular situation or scenario.

typically

Replaces the phrase with an adverb denoting usual or expected behavior.

FAQs

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

Use "as general" to introduce broad statements or guidelines. For instance, "As general advice, start with the basics" or "Keep it "as general" as possible".

What are some alternatives to "as general"?

You can use alternatives like "in general", "generally speaking", or "on the whole" depending on the context.

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

Yes, ""as general"" can be used in formal writing, especially when making overall statements. However, consider alternatives like "in general" for greater clarity.

What is the difference between "as general" and "in general"?

While both phrases convey a broad sense, ""in general"" is typically used to describe something that is usually true, while ""as general"" emphasizes the broadness of a statement or guideline.