general category

USAGE SUMMARY

"general category" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could say "This job requires applicants to have experience in a wide range of subjects, all within the general category of accounting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A general category comprising six serious crimes swelled 75percentt.

The New York Times

Click on the General category and uncheck the box that says "Automatically start Yahoo!

The New York Times - Tech

Even self-inflicted adversity (ignoring a fuel gauge, say) seems to fall within this general category.

The New Yorker

Isn't it enough to know the general shape, the general category?

The New Yorker

Each general category has a numeric code, as do the subdivisions of the categories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most environmental law falls into a general category of laws known as "command and control".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Larceny is one of the specific crimes included in the general category of theft.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Men as a general category are disappointing and traitorous — in money and family and work and power.

The New Yorker

Many current disorders, including paranoid, schizoid, antisocial, narcissistic and obsessive-compulsive disorders, would be reformulated into a general category.

The New York Times

Exposure to sun and to intense heat are also regarded as practices falling into this same general category.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then came a surge of cases in the general category of trademark holder v. cybersquatter, routinely decided in favor of trademark holder.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "general category" to introduce a broader classification before diving into more specific subcategories.

Common error

Avoid creating "general categories" that overlap significantly with each other. Ensure each category has distinct and well-defined boundaries to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general category" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used to classify or group items based on shared characteristics. As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves to denote a broad or overarching classification, encompassing various specific subcategories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "general category" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that serves to denote a broad classification or grouping of items. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it finds prevalent use in formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic content. When using "general category", ensure clarity in defining the category's characteristics and avoid overlapping with other categories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad classification

Emphasizes the act of classifying in a wide-ranging manner.

overall grouping

Highlights the act of forming groups with a common characteristic.

umbrella term

Implies a term that covers a wide range of related items or concepts.

inclusive class

Focuses on a class that includes many different items.

generic type

Suggests a type that is not specific and can refer to many similar things.

overarching theme

Highlights the unifying element that connects diverse elements.

common denominator

Emphasizes the shared attribute among different items.

collective group

Stresses the aspect of a group formed by collecting various elements.

comprehensive division

Highlights a thorough and extensive way of dividing items into groups.

catch-all phrase

Indicates a phrase used to cover a variety of items that don't fit neatly elsewhere.

FAQs

How can I use "general category" in a sentence?

You can use "general category" to refer to a broad classification of items. For example, "Fruits fall under the "general category" of produce".

What is another way to say "general category"?

Alternatives to "general category" include "broad classification", "overall grouping", or "umbrella term", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "general category"?

"General category" is appropriate when discussing a wide-ranging classification that encompasses various subcategories or specific items. It's useful when you need to refer to a broader grouping before narrowing down to specifics.

What's the difference between "general category" and "specific category"?

"General category" refers to a broad classification, while "specific category" denotes a more narrow and defined subset within that larger classification. For instance, "food" is a "general category", while "Italian cuisine" is a specific category.