ask generally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask generally" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to ask someone in a general or broad sense, rather than specifically about a particular topic or issue. Example: "When writing a research paper, it is important to ask generally about the topic to gather a broad understanding of the subject before delving into specific details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Smiths – Ask Generally I don't dance, as I'm as rhythmically challenged as Ian Curtis on rollerskates.

The Guardian - Music

Our hypothetical shovel invites us to ask generally: will Things be able to talk to one another across vendors, or only to their makers?

Harvard University

So that's a radically new sound, a radically new approach to modern art, and indeed, once again, if you ask, generally, cultural historians to put their finger on the moment that constitutes the beginning of Modernism it would probably be this moment of the performance of The Rite of Spring.

Yale University

Next, we ask generally which regulators are able to specify eve expression (regulator discovery) and consider the plausibility of concentration-dependent dual regulation.

eLife

Interviewer: "Can I ask generally … can you recall, or what do you know about any advice that's given for women to choose about things to do before you become pregnant.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

In The Ask generally there's a new relaxation to Lipsyte's writing, perhaps issuing out of a new despair.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

General trust, norms of reciprocity, and attachment to place were assessed by asking "Generally speaking, would you say that most people can be trusted?", "Would you say that most of the time people try to be helpful?", and "Do you feel attached to the area you live?" with possible answers dichotomized into yes and no (including "depends").

BMC Oral Health

People were first asked generally how they felt about their life insurance, and about 60percentt said they thought they had enough coverage.

The Washington Post

The person doing the asking generally has his or her own considered opinion (affectation, self-loathing, barely sublimated patricidal urges), and I don't contradict them.

The New Yorker

Bob Dole, the former Republican senator from Kansas, was more blunt when asked generally about Mr. Obama's travels in a rare interview on "Fox News Sunday" this week.

The New York Times

Asked generally about the criticism aimed at the president, the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, seized upon Mr. Romney's health care record.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a more specific question would yield better results before opting to "ask generally".

Common error

Avoid using "ask generally" when the situation requires a specific answer. Vague questions often lead to unhelpful or irrelevant responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask generally" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of making a broad or non-specific inquiry. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask generally" serves as a useful tool for initiating broad inquiries across various domains. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for eliciting general information. While Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in Science, News & Media, and Academia, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether the situation requires a broad understanding or necessitates more specific details. Alternatives such as "inquire broadly" or "question generally" can provide similar meanings with subtle variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ask in general terms

Replaces "generally" with "in general terms", clarifying the nonspecific nature of the question.

Ask a non-specific question

Emphasizes the question's lack of specificity, varying the phrasing slightly.

Inquire broadly

Replaces "ask" with "inquire" and "generally" with "broadly", maintaining a formal tone.

Question broadly

Substitutes "ask" with "question" and "generally" with "broadly", keeping the meaning of a wide-ranging inquiry.

Pose a general question

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of posing a question that lacks specificity.

Make a broad inquiry

Uses "inquiry" instead of "ask" and "broad" instead of "general", offering a more formal alternative.

Enquire in a general manner

A more formal synonym, replacing ask with enquire and generally with in a general manner.

Inquire without specifics

Highlights the absence of specific details in the inquiry, altering the sentence structure.

Question without detail

Focuses on the lack of detail in the question, changing the original phrasing.

Seek general information

Shifts the focus to seeking information broadly, altering the sentence structure.

FAQs

How can I use "ask generally" in a sentence?

You can use "ask generally" to indicate a broad or non-specific inquiry, such as, "Can I "ask generally" about your experience in the field?"

What does it mean to "ask generally"?

To "ask generally" means to inquire about something in a broad or non-specific way, without focusing on particular details.

What can I say instead of "ask generally"?

Alternatives to "ask generally" include "inquire broadly", "question generally", or "ask in general terms", depending on the desired level of formality.

When should I "ask generally" versus ask a specific question?

Use "ask generally" when you need a broad overview or initial understanding. For detailed information, frame a specific question.