general concept

USAGE SUMMARY

"general concept" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a broad idea or theory. For example, "The general concept of evolution has been around for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The general concept is simple.

Cornell University

The general concept is right.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The general concept is not new.

The New York Times

The general concept was yours — the C.I.A.'s.

The New Yorker

I wouldn't change the general concept I brought to England.

The Guardian - Sport

That said, the general concept behind Vizzavi is solid.

The New York Times

This is the general concept behind our device.

Yale University

The general concept is illustrated with two examples.

Automatica

"They can't grasp a general concept equivalent to the word 'quad,"' he explains.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Guys just want a general concept of a recipe -- bread and stuff," he said.

The New York Times - Food

-- but we long ago got the general concept that covering the news sometimes involves unpalatable choices.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "general concept" when introducing a topic broadly before delving into specific details. This provides context and helps the audience grasp the overall idea first.

Common error

Avoid using "general concept" excessively in technical or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms that reflect the specific principle or theory being discussed to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general concept" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a broad understanding or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase in English. Examples show its use in academic, news, and scientific contexts to frame discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general concept" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to introduce broad ideas and provide context. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, this phrase is versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and academic domains. While it is suitable for formal writing, remember to offer specific details following the introduction of the "general concept". Alternatives such as "broad idea" or "basic principle" can be used to add variety, depending on the specific context. Avoid overuse in technical writing, where more precise terms are often preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad idea

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the idea.

basic principle

Highlights the foundational aspect of the concept.

core notion

Emphasizes the central and essential aspect of the concept.

fundamental idea

Stresses the underlying and crucial nature of the concept.

overarching theme

Highlights the comprehensive and dominant aspect of the concept.

conceptual framework

Implies a structured and organized understanding of the concept.

underlying premise

Focuses on the foundational assumption of the concept.

common understanding

Emphasizes a shared and agreed-upon interpretation of the concept.

prevailing wisdom

Suggests a widely accepted and established understanding of the concept.

abstract idea

Highlights the theoretical and non-concrete nature of the concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "general concept" to introduce a broad idea or principle before providing specific details. For example, "The "general concept" of evolution is that species change over time through natural selection".

What are some alternatives to "general concept"?

Alternatives include "broad idea", "basic principle", or "core notion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "general concept" in formal writing?

Yes, "general concept" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when introducing a topic or summarizing a complex idea. However, ensure the context is clear and that you provide sufficient detail afterwards.

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

"General concept" refers to a broad, overarching idea, while "specific concept" refers to a detailed, particular aspect of that idea. Understanding both is crucial for comprehensive comprehension.