but only generally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only generally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is true in a broad or vague sense, without going into specific details. Example: "The results of the study were positive, but only generally, as there were significant variations in individual cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And Hart's practice conditions may be satisfied in cases where there is no obligation but only generally applicable reasons, as when victims are regularly urged to yield their wallets to a mugger.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She relented later in life, but only a little, talking only generally about the trauma she suffered as the only child of an unhappy marriage.

Independent

At the time, this was only generally true.

The New Yorker

Saying only generally positive things, vague expressions of hope.

The New Yorker

You'd think this might help Obama, but it will likely only generally put Democrats in a good light with the public, and expose some bitter feelings from Republicans.

Huffington Post

Chloroquine is a highly effective schizontocide, while primaquine has weaker asexual-stage activity (3) but is the only generally available drug with hypnozoitocidal properties, i.e., it kills dormant liver stage parasites and prevents relapse (radical cure) (1).

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

In the meantime, Slice Bookshelf is available as a web-only (but generally mobile-optimized) service to start, with plans to debut native apps in the future.

TechCrunch

Scientific research can take place, but generally only for non-commercial purposes.

The Guardian

Composers were empowered by the worshipfulness of the proceedings, but, generally, only if they were dead.

The New Yorker

Exercise is traditionally thought to improve the ability to think – but generally only after you have stopped doing it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such damages have been collected in the past, but generally only in cases related to catastrophic ecological events, like major oil spills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but only generally", consider adding a clarifying phrase or example to give the reader a better understanding of the limitations or scope of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "but only generally" when presenting precise data or specific instructions. This phrase introduces vagueness and is unsuitable for situations requiring accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only generally" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope or strength of a preceding statement. It suggests that while something is true, it's not universally or precisely accurate. As Ludwig states, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but only generally" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to qualify a statement, indicating that it's true in a broad sense but may not apply universally. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian. When using this phrase, it's best to be mindful of its inherent vagueness and consider providing clarifying information to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives include "but largely" or "in broad terms", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but largely

Replaces "only generally" with "largely", suggesting a slightly stronger degree of prevalence.

but mainly

Substitutes "only generally" with "mainly", indicating a primary but not exclusive condition.

but mostly

Replaces "only generally" with "mostly", implying that something is true in the majority of cases but not all.

but in broad terms

Replaces "only generally" with a more descriptive phrase, specifying that something is true in a broad sense.

but in a general sense

Similar to "in broad terms", this alternative clarifies that the statement holds true in a nonspecific way.

but not specifically

This alternative directly contrasts general agreement with specific details, providing a clear distinction.

but as a rule

Indicates that something is true as a common practice or standard, though there may be exceptions.

but for the most part

Expresses that something is true in most situations, though not necessarily all.

but on average

Emphasizes a statistical or typical tendency, acknowledging that individual cases may vary.

but as a generality

Clarifies that a statement should be taken as a broad summary rather than a precise fact.

FAQs

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

Use "but only generally" to introduce a statement that is true in a broad sense, but may not be accurate in every specific case. For example: "The new policy is effective, but "only generally", as some departments are still facing challenges."

What are some alternatives to "but only generally"?

You can use alternatives like "but largely", "but mainly", or "in broad terms" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "but only generally"?

Specificity is preferable when accuracy is crucial. Use "but only generally" when providing an overview and detailed information is not required or available.

What does "but only generally" imply about the information being presented?

It implies that the information is a broad statement, not necessarily precise, and there might be exceptions or nuances not covered.