certain generalities apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain generalities apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing broad principles or rules that are relevant in a specific context or situation. Example: "While each case is unique, certain generalities apply when assessing the effectiveness of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Certain generalities apply – the warmer it gets, for example, the more energy and moisture there are in the atmosphere and the weather gets more violent.

The Guardian

Ms. Vollers finds that while certain generalities apply to bombers (the claim that "we" are responsible tells investigators that the suspect probably acted alone), this was not a simple case.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Similar concerns of generality apply to the analysis in Figure 6.

eLife

It is important to consider whether such comparisons yield broad generalities or whether generalizations apply only to a subset of taxa.

AoB PLANTS

But certain exceptions apply.

The New York Times

Certain restrictions apply to dropping.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And for freezes, certain rules apply.

The New York Times

Whether the float is classic or inventive, certain rules apply.

The New York Times - Food

Though planting a tree is simple enough, certain rules apply.

The New York Times

As always with eyebrow-raising offers, certain conditions apply.

The New York Times

In popular music, as in algebra, certain formulas apply.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain generalities apply" when you want to indicate that while each specific instance may have unique aspects, some broad principles or rules are still relevant and should be considered.

Common error

Avoid using "certain generalities apply" when discussing highly specific or nuanced situations where broad principles may not be directly relevant or could be misleading. Ensure the generalities are indeed applicable to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain generalities apply" functions as a qualifier or introductory statement to indicate that while specific situations may vary, some broad, general principles or rules remain relevant. It sets the stage for a discussion where specifics will be addressed in light of these overarching principles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain generalities apply" is used to introduce the idea that some broad principles or rules are still relevant even when specific details may vary. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the generalities are indeed applicable and relevant to the situation being discussed. While not extremely frequent, it's a useful phrase to indicate that overarching principles should be considered. As Ludwig AI states, "the warmer it gets, for example, the more energy and moisture there are in the atmosphere and the weather gets more violent" thus "certain generalities apply".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some general principles are relevant

Emphasizes the importance of overarching principles, similar to "certain generalities apply".

some broad rules hold true

Highlights the existence of rules that are widely applicable.

specific guidelines are applicable

Focuses on the applicability of guidelines in certain situations.

some overarching rules are relevant

Emphasizes the relevance of higher-level rules.

some common patterns exist

Highlights the existence of recurring patterns or trends.

certain standard conditions are met

Focuses on specific conditions that are generally applicable.

some typical conditions are valid

Highlights the validity of common conditions.

certain usual provisions are in effect

Focuses on provisions that are generally in effect.

some recognized norms apply

Emphasizes the application of established norms or standards.

certain typical features exist

Highlights the existence of common or typical features.

FAQs

How can I use "certain generalities apply" in a sentence?

You can use "certain generalities apply" to introduce the idea that despite specific differences, some overarching principles are still valid. For example, "While each project has its unique challenges, certain generalities apply to project management."

What are some alternatives to "certain generalities apply"?

Some alternatives include "some general principles are relevant", "certain broad rules hold true", or "some overarching rules are relevant", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "certain generalities apply" or "some generalities apply"?

Both "certain generalities apply" and "some generalities apply" are grammatically correct. "Certain" suggests a defined set of general principles, while "some" indicates that only a portion of general principles are applicable. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use "certain generalities apply"?

It's inappropriate to use "certain generalities apply" when discussing highly specific or nuanced situations where the general principles are not directly relevant or may be misleading. In such cases, more specific language should be used.