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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
but otherwise general
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "but otherwise general" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is specific in one aspect but remains general in other respects. Example: "The report is detailed in its analysis of the market trends, but otherwise general in its recommendations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Over the next 20 years Kronos became the world's best known, most innovative contemporary-music quartet, moving rapidly from a new-music-inflected but otherwise general repertory to a purely contemporary one, then to its current format of works composed exclusively for it.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
The analysis is restricted to the case of low frequencies but is otherwise general; thus due regard is given not only to the bending wave of the plate but also to the other propagating waves and to the local reactions.
The presence of ferric oxide affected the sulphur dioxide capacity of limestones adversely, but otherwise no general relationship was observed between chemical composition and sulphur dioxide capacity.
Science
In both cases, a maximum is seen at 4 instances, with significant lows at 8 or 16 instances but otherwise a general degradation as numbers increase.
Their phylogenies are now much more bushy and branching, but otherwise, the general trends are the same that were observed over a century ago.
In all but one case, the null model was a single-nucleotide "point substitution" model that was reversible and strand-symmetric (but otherwise fully general).
Science
Comparing between elements, we find high expression of MER21 in placenta, but otherwise no general tissue-specific signature in expression of putative placenta-specific elements.
Science
The large and small ribosomal subunits were the most highly expressed and the most highly conserved machineries, but otherwise no general correlation was observed between protein conservation and gene expression level in this dataset (Additional file 1: Figure S3 and Additional file 3).
Science
"Unless somebody tells me otherwise," General Manager Brian Cashman said.
News & Media
Many scientists believe events affecting the endocrine system are to blame... Finland seems to be immune, so far from the otherwise general decline... Mentions P.O.
News & Media
Few disparities that were observed in this otherwise general trend may be attributed to varying surface properties of the AIBC, even among specimens of the same group.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use “but otherwise general” to highlight a specific exception before making a general statement.
Common error
Avoid using "but otherwise general" if the exception fundamentally undermines the generality of the statement. In such cases, a different connective or phrasing may be more accurate.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "but otherwise general" serves as a conjunction, introducing a qualification or exception to a broader statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating it's a recognized structure for expressing partial generality.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Wiki
11%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "but otherwise general" is a grammatically correct way to express that a statement is generally true except for a specific qualification. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is a recognized structure for expressing partial generality. It functions as a conjunction, adding nuance to a broader statement. It's most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts and can be adapted to different degrees of formality. When using "but otherwise general", it's important to ensure that the exception does not negate the entire generality of the statement.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
but generally
A shorter and more direct way of expressing a similar idea.
yet generally speaking
Focuses more on the overall generality despite the exception.
however generally
Emphasizes the contrast with a general statement.
except for that general
Highlights the specific exception more explicitly.
aside from that general
Similar to "except for that", but slightly less formal.
otherwise largely general
Focuses on the extent of generality, despite the "otherwise" clause.
with that exception general
Formal way to indicate an exception to a general rule.
but in most respects general
Highlights that generality holds in most aspects, despite some differences.
in all other respects general
Emphasizes generality in all aspects other than the one specified.
leaving that aside, general
Signals a disregard for a specific thing to focus on the general.
FAQs
How can I use "but otherwise general" in a sentence?
Use "but otherwise general" to introduce a qualification or exception to a statement, while maintaining the overall generality. For example, "The report is detailed in its analysis of market trends, but otherwise general in its recommendations."
What phrases are similar in meaning to "but otherwise general"?
Similar phrases include "but generally", "yet generally speaking", or "however generally" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to use "but otherwise general"?
Yes, the phrase "but otherwise general" is grammatically correct and can be used to specify an exception to a broader generalization. The phrase can be a great way to showcase specificity, despite generalizing.
What's the difference between "but otherwise general" and "but specifically"?
"But otherwise general" indicates that, apart from a specific detail, the statement remains general. On the other hand, "but specifically" emphasizes a particular detail against a general background.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested