but generally normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but generally normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is mostly typical or standard, with some minor exceptions or variations. Example: "The weather has been unpredictable this season, but generally normal for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In MCI, the affected individual subjectively complains of memory problems but has generally normal cognitive and daily functioning despite a demonstrable decrease in memory performance on testing (Peterson et al 2001).

Clinical interventions in aging

The distribution of scores on the EPDS was generally normal, but 18% (n = 22) of all mothers reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (at a cut-off of 13 and above).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Realize that masturbation is generally normal, but be wary of other signs that something is "off".

WikiHow

118 120 In a Swedish study on 240 individuals at high risk of CRC (including MMR gene mutation carriers, HNPCC family members and individuals with familial CRC) evaluation of the quality of life using SF-36 (five of eight scales) showed generally normal levels but lower levels regarding mental health and vitality compared with the reference population.

Gut

ptrn-1-null mutants display generally normal developmental axon outgrowth but significantly impaired regenerative regrowth after laser axotomy.

Cell Reports

Similarly to the 3-month-old mice, mitochondria from aged Parkin−/− mice were disarrayed, smaller and clustered, but still maintained cristae density and appeared generally normal (Fig. 1).

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Average FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) levels were generally normal (91.05 ± 16.74% predicted), but the average FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio (78.22 ± 10.13) in HEAL children provided evidence for physiologic airway obstruction.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Plain radiographs are generally normal during the first stages of the disease [16], but a soft-tissue density in the suprapatellar pouch can be observed if it is meticulously evaluated.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Generally, normal tissue homeostasis and architecture inhibit progression of cancer, but changes in the microenvironment can shift the balance of these signals to a cancer permissive state.

BMC Cancer

Impedence studies have shown that esophageal transit in patients with hypertensive peristalsis is generally normal.

Nature

Both of these alterations are believed to be generally normal and desirable after endurance training.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but generally normal", ensure that the 'but' clause introduces a specific, noteworthy exception to the general state of normality. This adds clarity and prevents the phrase from being vague or redundant.

Common error

Avoid using "but generally normal" as a filler phrase. Always ensure that the exception introduced by 'but' is clearly defined and adds meaningful information. Otherwise, consider using a more direct statement like "mostly normal" or "largely standard".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but generally normal" functions as a qualifier, used to indicate that while something is mostly within the expected range or standard, there are notable exceptions. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but generally normal" serves as a qualifier to denote a condition or situation that is predominantly standard with certain exceptions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. While it isn't particularly common, it can be effectively used to convey nuance, avoiding overly simplistic descriptions. Alternatives like "mostly normal" or "largely standard" may be considered depending on the context and the desired level of formality. The key is to ensure that the exception following 'but' is clearly defined and adds relevant information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly normal, however

Replaces 'generally' with 'mostly' and swaps 'but' for 'however', changing the sentence flow slightly.

typically normal, but

Uses 'typically' instead of 'generally', emphasizing the common occurrence of normality.

usually normal, though

Replaces 'generally' with 'usually' and 'but' with 'though', offering a more informal tone.

largely normal, yet

Substitutes 'generally' with 'largely', highlighting the extent of normality despite exceptions, and 'but' with 'yet'.

normal on the whole, but

Expresses that normality is observed when considering everything, with 'but' to indicate exceptions.

predominantly normal, however

Replaces 'generally' with 'predominantly', stressing the prevalence of normality, and 'but' with 'however'.

mostly within the normal range, but

Emphasizes that the subject is within expected parameters but with some noted deviations.

generally within acceptable limits, but

Rephrases normality as being within 'acceptable limits', indicating a tolerance for slight variations.

on average normal, but

Indicates that normality is present when considering the average condition, despite individual deviations.

in most respects normal, but

Highlights that normality exists in 'most respects', implying there are specific areas of deviation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but generally normal" is used to describe a situation or condition that is mostly typical or standard, except for some specific aspects. For example: "His vital signs were stable, but "but generally normal", his blood pressure was slightly elevated."

What are some alternatives to "but generally normal"?

Some alternatives to "but generally normal" include "mostly normal", "largely standard", or "typically normal". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "but generally normal"?

Use "but generally normal" when you want to acknowledge that something is mostly within the expected range, but there are some deviations or exceptions worth noting. It's useful for providing a nuanced description.

What's the difference between "but generally normal" and "completely normal"?

"Completely normal" means there are no deviations from the expected standard. "But generally normal" indicates that while the overall condition is typical, there are some specific exceptions or minor abnormalities present.