but generally because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but generally because" is not correct and may lead to confusion in written English.
It can be used when attempting to explain a reason or justification, but it requires additional context to be clear and coherent. Example: "I enjoy outdoor activities, but generally because they help me relax and connect with nature."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the past, subscribers have reacted with anger at such suspensions, but generally because they have missed specific programs.

The New York Times

They share the libertarian love of free trade, but generally because they are drawn to alliances that require cooperation between nations.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I am an optimist generally because as a species we tend to spend the money we have.

The Guardian

The police here are polite but generally helpless, because most of the victims are too upset to note license plate numbers.

The New York Times - Travel

Mice that lack the miR-1-2 gene have various heart abnormalities, but generally survive because they still produce some miR-1 from their remaining miR-1-1 gene.

eLife

However, the influence of damage of pelvic sympathetic nerves on female sexual function has been ambiguous but generally considered because it would most likely result in impairment of vaginal lubrication.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

"We are undertaking a look comprehensively, not only in the consumer area but compliance generally, because there has been a very disturbing pattern of violations," she said.

The New York Times

"We are undertaking a look comprehensively, not only in the consumer area but compliance generally, because there has been a very disturbing pattern of violations," she said, citing problems in mortgages, foreign exchange trading, sanctions and other areas.

The New York Times

"It's a very frustrating environment we're in right now, tight in part because of our own crash, but more generally because it seems to me now that every time we get around to the international question, we have a meltdown and go back to zero".

The New York Times

When a duplicate gene is lost, it may be lost from one copy (homeolog) of a chromosome or the other, but generally not both, because of the necessity of conserving function.

BMC Genomics

The law did not mention newborns, but generally tightened documentation requirements because some lawmakers were concerned that immigrants were fraudulently claiming United States citizenship to get Medicaid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, replace "but generally because" with more precise causal phrases such as "but mainly because" or "but primarily due to" to enhance readability and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but generally because" repeatedly in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound awkward and unclear. Opt for simpler, more direct causal phrases to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but generally because" functions as a causal connector, attempting to introduce a reason that explains a contrasting situation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not considered correct and can be confusing. It tries to link two clauses where the second clause is presented as a common explanation for the first, which is introduced with a contrast ('but').

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but generally because" is used to connect a contrasting statement with a common explanation. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect, recommending clearer alternatives. While found in various contexts like News & Media and Science, its usage is infrequent. Simpler phrases such as "but mainly because" or "but primarily due to" offer enhanced clarity and precision. The expert rating reflects its flawed grammar and more precise alternatives. It is best to replace this phrase to avoid convoluted and awkward sentences. The relatively low expert rating for this phrase reflects its grammatical weakness and better alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but mainly because

Replaces 'generally' with 'mainly' for stronger emphasis on the primary reason.

but primarily due to

Substitutes 'generally because' with 'primarily due to' to emphasize the main cause.

however mostly as a result of

Replaces 'but' with 'however' and uses 'mostly as a result of' for a more formal tone.

though largely on account of

Uses 'though' instead of 'but' and 'largely on account of' to indicate a significant reason.

yet typically stemming from

Replaces 'but' with 'yet' and uses 'typically stemming from' to suggest a common origin or cause.

nonetheless usually attributed to

Employs 'nonetheless' for contrast and 'usually attributed to' to specify a common attribution.

still frequently explained by

Replaces 'but' with 'still' and 'generally because' with 'frequently explained by' to emphasize common explanations.

although commonly justified by

Uses 'although' for concession and 'commonly justified by' to indicate a prevailing justification.

even so regularly determined by

Replaces 'but' with 'even so' and uses 'regularly determined by' to suggest a consistent determinant.

be that as it may normally resulting from

Uses a more complex concessive phrase ('be that as it may') and 'normally resulting from' for a formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "but generally because" in a sentence?

While grammatically awkward, "but generally because" attempts to connect a contrast with a common reason. For better clarity, consider alternatives like "but mainly because" or "but primarily due to".

What can I say instead of "but generally because"?

You can use alternatives like "but mainly because", "but primarily due to", or "however mostly as a result of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "but generally because" or "but mainly because"?

"But mainly because" is generally preferred for its clarity and directness. "But generally because" can sound convoluted and less precise.

What's the difference between "but generally because" and "but primarily because"?

While both attempt to link a contrast with a reason, "but primarily because" suggests that the reason is the most important or fundamental one, whereas "but generally because" implies a common or typical reason, though the latter is less grammatically sound.