being too general

USAGE SUMMARY

"being too general" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could say, "The problem with his argument is that it is too general, lacking any specifics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Is the media being too general when reporting that graduates have poor prospects?

The Guardian - Opinion

One danger is being too general especially about big numbers as it can look like you're exaggerating.

The Guardian

Jeremy says As regular readers know, I often find myself advising people to resist being too general in their approach to job-finding and be more specific.

The Guardian - Money

We chose the Level II designation as it provides 20 distinct ecoregions in the US that the species of interest occur, which captures sufficient variation in climate, ecosystems, and land use to be useful for stakeholders without being too general (Level I) or too specific (Level III).

Plosone

Inconsistent results could be due to interventions being too general.

BMC Women's Health

There is always the risk of being too general or losing sight of the details.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It is possible that generic QOL questionnaires are too general and do not capture specific health problems after VT and that disease-specific questionnaires are more focused.

BMJ Open

But, he said, the distinction between the two was too general to be precise.

The New Yorker

She also described what had been too general: "Roughly, anything else worthy of mention".

The New York Times

The question is whether that standard is too general or not.

The New York Times

The real problem, according to Ron Evans, lies in the term "exercise," which is too general to be useful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback, instead of saying something is "being too general", offer specific examples of how it could be more precise.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on statements that are "being too general". Always back them up with concrete evidence, specific data, and clear examples to enhance credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being too general" functions as a descriptive modifier, often used to critique the lack of specificity or detail in a statement, argument, or approach. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase points out deficiencies in clarity or focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being too general" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that lacks sufficient detail or specificity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media. To avoid this, provide concrete examples and specific data to support your claims. Alternatives include "lacking specificity" or "overly broad", and it's important to strike a balance between providing enough detail without overwhelming the reader. Use this phrase judiciously to offer constructive criticism and guide improvements in clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking specificity

This alternative directly points out the absence of specific details.

overly broad

This phrase suggests that the scope is wider than necessary or appropriate.

too vague

This indicates a lack of clarity or precision.

not detailed enough

This alternative focuses on the insufficient level of detail.

insufficiently specific

Similar to "lacking specificity" but uses more formal language.

excessively comprehensive

While comprehensiveness is usually positive, "excessively" suggests it hinders focus.

too all-encompassing

This implies a lack of discrimination or focus.

not granular enough

This suggests a need for finer-grained detail.

over generalized

This describes the act of making a statement that is too broad and not applicable in specific cases.

too indiscriminate

This implies a failure to make necessary distinctions.

FAQs

How can I avoid "being too general" in my writing?

To avoid "being too general", use specific examples, data, and evidence to support your claims. Instead of making broad statements, provide concrete details and measurable outcomes.

What's the difference between "being too general" and "being too specific"?

"Being too general" lacks necessary details and precision, while being too specific includes excessive details that may not be relevant or useful. The key is to strike a balance by providing enough detail to be clear and informative without overwhelming the reader.

What are some alternatives to saying "being too general"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking specificity", "overly broad", or "too vague" depending on the context.

Is it always bad to "be too general"?

Not always. In some contexts, providing a general overview can be helpful before diving into specific details. However, it's important to ensure that you eventually provide specific information to support your general statements.