but in general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but in general" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a statement that generally summarises what has been said previously. For example: I like visiting cities in the summer, but in general I prefer spending my vacations in the countryside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, in general, the outlook is not good.

Huffington Post

But in general I agree.

The Economist

But in general, it isn't.

The Economist

But in general we were complete opposites.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in general, we frown on gossips.

The Economist

But in general, I agree with Brooks.

The New Yorker

But in general I am shy".

The New Yorker

But in general, they do not.

The New York Times

But in general he deserves high praise.

The Economist

But, in general, the company soldiered on.

The New Yorker

But in general, the outcry is overblown.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but in general" to introduce a summary or overall assessment after discussing specific details or exceptions. This helps provide context and prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences solely with "but in general" without establishing a prior context. It can sound abrupt and disconnected if the reader doesn't know what specifics are being generalized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in general" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It typically serves to introduce a qualification, contrast, or summary of what has been previously stated. Ludwig AI confirms this function with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but in general" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce a summary, qualification, or contrasting perspective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and frequently employed, especially in news and media. While appropriate across various contexts, it's crucial to ensure a clear connection to the preceding context to avoid abruptness. Alternatives like "but overall" or "generally speaking" can provide similar nuance. Therefore, use "but in general" strategically to provide context and prevent misinterpretations, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but overall

A more concise way of saying "but in general", focusing on the overall assessment.

that being said, for the most part

Signals a shift in perspective towards a more prevalent condition.

however, generally speaking

Emphasizes the contrast and introduces a broader perspective.

with that said, on average

Moves from a specific consideration to a statistical tendency.

yet on the whole

Highlights a contrasting element while considering the overall situation.

despite this, broadly speaking

Acknowledges a preceding point, then offers a generalization.

all things considered, generally

Takes a holistic view before making a qualified statement.

nonetheless, in most cases

Indicates a deviation from a specific instance to a more common scenario.

although typically

Acknowledges a common pattern before presenting a contrast.

even so, as a rule

Introduces an exception while reaffirming a general principle.

FAQs

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

Use "but in general" to introduce a statement that provides an overall assessment or summary after presenting specific details. For example, "The project had some setbacks, "but in general", it was successful".

What phrases are similar to "but in general"?

Similar phrases include "but overall", "generally speaking", and "on the whole". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "but in general" or "but generally"?

"But in general" and "but generally" are similar, but "but in general" is more common when introducing a broad overview after discussing specifics. "But generally" might be used to modify a specific verb: "He doesn't like crowds, but generally avoids them".

Can I use "but in general" at the beginning of a paragraph?

Yes, "but in general" can start a paragraph, but ensure it logically connects to the previous paragraph's content. It should introduce a summary or overall perspective based on what was previously discussed.