back to general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back to general" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion without context.
It could be used in a context where someone is transitioning from a specific topic back to a broader or more general discussion. Example: "After discussing the specifics of the project, let's go back to general principles of project management."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mr. Hagel turned back to General Petraeus.

The New York Times

Critics of continued military rule trace the problem back to General Musharraf.

The New York Times

If their patients need surgery or suffer medical emergencies, they are usually transferred back to general hospitals.

The New York Times

If patients need surgery or suffer serious medical emergencies, they are usually transferred back to general hospitals.

The New York Times - Health

Now Back to General Franks " to know the truth about terrorism, so the book tells the truth".

The New York Times

The method treats theory as a deductive system in which particular empirical phenomena are explained by relating them back to general principles and definitions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

So why did General Rios go?The answer goes back to General Pinochet's arrest in London in 1998, argues Raul Sohr, a military analyst.

The Economist

To that end we are making available through our Open Platform general election results back to 1992, general election candidates back to 2001 and, for 2010, live results on election night itself.

The Guardian

Here, reports on frail patients are generated and delivered back to the general practice.

BMC Geriatrics

We first address these issues generally, and then we will refer back to our general comments, where applicable, as we address the more specific issues point-by-point.

eLife

This unfamiliarity might lead back to the general social and medial learning history of the older generation.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back to general", ensure the context clearly indicates a return from specific details to a broader topic. This phrase is most effective when contrasting with a previous, more focused discussion or action.

Common error

Avoid using "back to general" in formal or academic writing where more precise and formal language is expected. Consider alternatives like "returning to the overarching theme" or "reverting to fundamental principles" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back to general" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier indicating a direction or movement. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is non-standard. Examples show it used to describe a return to broader topics or locations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back to general" is used to indicate a return from specific details to a broader topic. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is non-standard in written English, so consider the context carefully when using it. While it appears in diverse sources, from news to science, more formal settings might require alternative phrases such as "returning to the overarching theme". The expert rating suggests it is best used with caution, considering the audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning to the general

Focuses on the act of returning and uses a more descriptive adjective; slight shift in emphasis.

reverting to generalities

Emphasizes a shift towards broad statements rather than specifics, implying a potentially less focused approach.

going back to basics

Implies a return to fundamental principles or essential elements, suggesting a simplified approach.

coming back to the overall

Highlights a shift in focus to the larger, encompassing picture or perspective.

shifting back to broad strokes

Suggests returning to a less detailed or comprehensive depiction or strategy.

returning to the overarching theme

Focuses on the main theme or concept, emphasizing a return to the core subject.

getting back to the main subject

Suggests a return to the primary topic after a digression or deviation.

switching back to general discussion

Highlights the shift in conversation back to a wider topic.

turning back to a wider perspective

Suggests returning to seeing things from a bigger view.

reverting to a more inclusive topic

Shows returning to a subject that is more complete.

FAQs

How can I use "back to general" in a sentence?

You can use "back to general" to indicate a return from specific details to a broader perspective, as in, "After discussing project specifics, let's go "back to general" principles of project management."

What's a more formal alternative to "back to general"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "returning to the overarching theme" or "reverting to fundamental principles" which offer a more academic tone.

When is it appropriate to use "back to general"?

It is appropriate when you want to signal a shift from specific details or a focused discussion back to a broader, more inclusive topic. However, be mindful of your audience and context, as Ludwig AI considers the phrase non-standard.

Is there a difference between "back to general" and "return to general"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "return to general" might sound slightly more formal than "back to general". The choice depends on the desired tone and context of your writing.