being in general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being in general" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing broad concepts or generalizations about a subject. Example: "Being in general is a complex state that encompasses various aspects of existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The view of metaphysics as essentially a science of the divine being, rather than of being in general, and the intent of underscoring its affinity, once assimilated with philosophical theology, with Islam, was also characteristic of al-Kindī's direct disciples and the "school" of authors inspired by his teaching or dependent on his same sources.

SEP

'Being in general,' then, refers to the system of beings — primarily to God but to "particular beings," too, in so far as they depend upon and more or less adequately reflect him.

SEP

Ontology, the philosophical study of being in general, or of what applies neutrally to everything that is real.

Encyclopedia Britannica

God is "being in general".

SEP

Why, though, is God being in general?

SEP

Agreement or consent is "comprehensive" or "universal" only when directed towards being in general.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

On Malebranche's conception, God is 'being in general,'infinitete being,' or 'being without restriction' (3.2.8, OC 1 456; LO 241).

SEP

The claim that God is 'being in general,' however, invites further objections, both theological and philosophical.

SEP

On the one hand, being is a creature, the first of all the creatures; on the other hand, God should share it, as being-in-general is the most common reality, predicated of all, and according to him to-be-predicated-of something means to-be-shared-by it.

SEP

Unfortunately, this theory is weak in an important point, since Wyclif does not clarify the relation between being-in-general and God.

SEP

Wyclif, like Scotus, claims that the notion of being is the most general one, a notion entailed by all others, but he also states that an extra-mental reality corresponds to the concept of being-in-general (ens in communi).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, consider using a simpler and common alternative like "in general" or "generally speaking" instead of "being in general".

Common error

Avoid using "being in general" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or overly academic in contexts where simpler phrasing would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being in general" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement in philosophical discussions. It denotes the most fundamental and all-encompassing aspect of existence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being in general" is a philosophical term used to discuss the fundamental nature of existence. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct. While it appears most frequently in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, its formal register makes it unsuitable for casual conversation. For simpler alternatives, consider using phrases like "in general" or "generally speaking". Remember to reserve "being in general" for discussions where its abstract and formal tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

existence in general

Replaces "being" with "existence", focusing on the state of existing rather than the nature of being.

reality in general

Substitutes "being" with "reality", emphasizing the overall nature of what is real.

in a general sense

Offers a more conversational and less philosophical way to express a general idea.

generally speaking

Similar to "in a general sense", but emphasizes the act of speaking or making a generalization.

on the whole

Presents a concept as true or applicable for the most part, rather than universally.

as a rule

Indicates that something is typically true, but with possible exceptions.

in most cases

Highlights that something is true for the majority of instances, but not necessarily all.

typically

Focuses on the usual or common occurrence of something.

ordinarily

Suggests that something happens in the normal course of events.

for the most part

Expresses that something is true to a significant extent, but not completely.

FAQs

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

You can use "being in general" to discuss broad philosophical concepts. For example, "The study of ontology concerns itself with the nature of "being in general"." Remember that the term sounds academic so it is not fit for informal settings.

What are some alternatives to "being in general"?

Alternatives include "existence in general", "reality in general", or, for less formal contexts, "in general" and "generally speaking".

When is it appropriate to use "being in general" in writing?

It is appropriate in philosophical, academic, or theological contexts where you are discussing the fundamental nature of existence. Avoid it in casual or informal settings.

Is "being in general" the same as "in general"?

No. "Being in general" carries a more philosophical and abstract connotation, referring to the essence of existence. "In general" is a broader term used for making generalizations or stating what is typically true.