but in general the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'but in general the' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that contrasts or contradicts a previous statement. For example, "The South American climate can be unpredictable, but in general the temperature is warm year-round."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But in general the sale seemed to generate little heat.

The New York Times - Arts

But, in general, the company soldiered on.

The New Yorker

But in general, the outcry is overblown.

The Economist

But in general the ballot seemed free and fair.

The Economist

But in general the projections were a missed opportunity.

The New York Times - Arts

But in general the Republicans have smothered debate.

The Economist

But in general, the monkeys are treated well.

The Economist

But, in general, the trend has waned significantly.

The Guardian

But in general the sound is clean and quite good.

The New York Times

But, in general, the uncultivated land was a conservation godsend.

The Guardian

But, in general, the goings on felt largely unsupervised.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but in general the" to introduce a broad statement that qualifies or contrasts with a preceding, more specific detail. It helps to provide a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "but in general the" to make sweeping statements without acknowledging specific exceptions or nuances. Ensure your generalization is supported by evidence and doesn't oversimplify complex situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in general the" functions as a transitional phrase, primarily used to introduce a generalization that follows a specific instance or contrasting idea. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase for connecting ideas. Examples show its usage in various contexts to provide a broader view.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but in general the" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English writing, as validated by Ludwig. It acts as a crucial connector to introduce general observations that qualify or contrast with preceding statements. Predominantly found in "news & media", "science", and "encyclopedias", it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it adds meaningful qualification and avoids oversimplification. Alternatives like "however, in general" or "yet, generally speaking" can offer nuanced variations. This phrase is a valuable tool for balanced and comprehensive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, in general

Emphasizes the contrast more directly with 'however'.

yet, generally speaking

Replaces 'but' with 'yet' and 'in general' with the synonymous 'generally speaking'.

on the whole, though

Uses 'on the whole' to convey generality, with 'though' providing the contrast.

all things considered, the

Offers a broader perspective before the general statement.

nevertheless, on average

Substitutes 'but' with 'nevertheless' for a stronger contrast, and 'in general' with 'on average'.

in most cases, but

Highlights the prevalence of the general case with 'in most cases'.

for the most part, however

Similar to 'on the whole' but with 'however' for contrast.

with few exceptions, the

Explicitly mentions exceptions to the general rule.

aside from that, generally

Introduces a shift in focus before the general observation.

taking everything into account, the

Presents a comprehensive view before making a generalization.

FAQs

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

Use "but in general the" to introduce a statement that provides a broader perspective or a common trend, often following a more specific or contrasting point. For example, "The project had some initial setbacks, but in general the results have been positive."

What are some alternatives to saying "but in general the"?

You can use alternatives like "however, in general", "yet, generally speaking", or "on the whole, though" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "but in general the" and "in general"?

"In general" introduces a general statement directly. "But in general the" introduces a general statement that contrasts or qualifies something previously mentioned. The addition of "but" signals a shift or qualification.

When is it inappropriate to use "but in general the"?

Avoid using "but in general the" when the general statement directly contradicts or negates the preceding statement without providing a meaningful qualification. Ensure the general statement adds value and doesn't create confusion.