cannot be generalized to

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be generalized to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that a statement does not apply to a larger group or situation. For example, "The results of this study cannot be generalized to all people who use this product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, the results cannot be generalized to the general population.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Therefore, the results from this study cannot be generalized to the general population.

BioMed Research International

It cannot be generalized to other participants.

The Sciences of Aphasia From Therapy to Theory

These results cannot be generalized to minimum wages higher than $15.

University of California, Berkeley

Thus, our results cannot be generalized to other APIs.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Consequently, inferences cannot be generalized to all women.

Plosone

Firstly our sample size is small and the results cannot be generalized to normal population.

Plosone

These findings cannot be generalized to tuberculosis patients diagnosed and treated through community-based services.

Plosone

Thus, our findings cannot be generalized to superficial incisional SSIs due to MRSA.

Plosone

Finally, of course, data from boys cannot be generalized to girls.

Plosone

Therefore, results cannot be generalized to MAR or MNAR scenarios.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be generalized to", clearly specify the population or context to which the findings do not apply. This enhances the clarity and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be generalized to" as a blanket disclaimer. Instead, provide specific reasons and evidence to support why the findings may not be applicable in other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be generalized to" serves as a qualifier, indicating that the results or conclusions drawn from a specific study, sample, or context are not universally applicable. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various scientific papers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be generalized to" is a common qualifier used in scientific and academic writing to limit the scope of research findings. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in scientific contexts to ensure the accurate interpretation and application of results. It's essential to specify the populations or contexts to which the findings do not apply to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be extrapolated to

Specifically mentions the inability to extrapolate results.

findings are specific to

Highlights that results are only valid for certain cases

is not applicable to

Focuses on the lack of applicability rather than generalization.

not universally applicable to

Emphasizes that the phrase is not for all cases

does not extend to

Emphasizes that the scope is limited.

limited in scope to

Clearly states the limitations in scope.

should not be applied to

Focuses on not using the method in certain scenarios

is not representative of

Highlights the lack of representativeness.

is not indicative of

Focuses on the lack of indication or suggestion.

is confined to

Highlights restriction to a specific context.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot be generalized to" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be generalized to" to indicate that the results or findings of a study or observation are not applicable to a broader population or different context. For example, "Because the study only included participants of a certain age, the results "cannot be generalized to" older adults".

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be generalized to"?

Alternatives include "is not applicable to", "does not extend to", or "is not representative of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be generalized to"?

It is appropriate to use "cannot be generalized to" when you have specific reasons to believe that your findings are limited in scope and do not apply to other populations, settings, or conditions.

What is the difference between "cannot be generalized to" and "cannot be applied to"?

"Cannot be generalized to" usually refers to the inability to extend research findings to a larger group, while "cannot be applied to" suggests that a rule, method, or principle is not suitable for a particular situation. The subtle difference lies in whether you're discussing research or practical application.