general discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

"general discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to conversations or other forms of communication of a general or broad nature. For example, "The general discourse around climate change is often very heated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The argument soon becomes elevated into a general discourse on religious and philosophical matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a need for such terms back then, because their crackpot counterparts held much greater sway in general discourse.

The Guardian - Business

In the general discourse on the economic valuation of ecosystem functions, it was suggested to valuate ecosystem functions via the ecosystem services they provide.

Ecological Economics

In his Rose Garden speech Obama did use the phrase "acts of terror", but he did so in the plural and within a general discourse on the threats facing the US rather than as a specific reference to Benghazi.

The Guardian

Biodiversity has not only become one of the basic environmental policy objectives in both international and national political arenas but also an elementary part of the general discourse of global environmental change.

Journal of Rural Studies

In this article I suggest that this visibility/invisibility paradox (Mirza 2009) can be interpreted not only as a reflection of the number of racialised researchers in Swedish higher education, but also as a general discourse of colour-blindness and Swedish white privilege.

Women's Studies International Forum

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Only then can we start the hard and cumbersome work of establishing the links between the selective abortion decisions and the general discourses and conditions of disability.

BioSocieties

It is a central argument in the article that we have to understand the specificity of the decision situation, without reducing it either to other phases (before or after) of the total processes of PND and selective abortion, or to general discourses of disability or normality.

BioSocieties

According to received doctrine in scholarship and general intellectual discourse, the prime goal of state policy is national security.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most general medical discourse about kink focuses on unpicking early childhood trauma, emotional disturbance or abuse (as experienced by the protagonist in Fifty Shades of Grey).

The Guardian - Opinion

But if emphasising "war" is wrong, so would be an effort to purge the word "Islam" from the general public discourse on terrorism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context is broad. Avoid using "general discourse" when referring to a specific debate or a one-on-one conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "general discourse" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "conversation" or "discussion" to maintain a natural tone. For example, instead of saying "In our general discourse at the cafe…", say "In our conversation at the cafe…".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general discourse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a broad, non-specific discussion or conversation on a particular topic. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general discourse" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe broad, non-specific discussions on a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in scientific and news-related sources and serves to frame specific points within a larger, ongoing conversation. While acceptable in formal writing, simpler terms like "discussion" or "conversation" are often more appropriate in informal contexts. Remember that "general discourse" refers to a broad and often ongoing conversation, not a specific debate. Consider using alternatives such as "public conversation" or "widespread discussion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general conversation

A more casual term for broad discussions.

widespread discussion

Indicates that the discussion is happening across a large area or among many people.

public conversation

Focuses on discussions that occur within the broader public sphere.

popular discussion

Implies that the discussion is well-known and engaged with by many people.

mainstream debate

Refers to the primary arguments or disagreements in a particular area.

societal conversation

Focuses on discussions that involve or impact society at large.

common parlance

Emphasizes the language or vocabulary commonly used in discussions.

prevailing dialogue

Highlights the dominant or most current form of discussion.

overall narrative

Highlights how information is conveyed more broadly.

collective understanding

Underlines the common knowledge and shared acceptance of facts.

FAQs

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

You can use "general discourse" to refer to broad discussions or conversations about a particular topic. For instance, "The impact of social media is often discussed in the "public conversation"" or "The ethical considerations of AI have become a central theme in "widespread discussion"".

What's a simpler alternative to "general discourse"?

Alternatives to "general discourse" include "general conversation", "public conversation", or simply "discussion", depending on the context.

Is "general discourse" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "general discourse" is suitable for academic writing. It is often used to refer to broader theoretical or societal discussions related to a specific topic. It helps frame research within larger scholarly conversations.

What is the difference between "general discourse" and "specific debate"?

"General discourse" refers to a broad and often ongoing conversation, while a "specific debate" is a focused discussion on a particular issue with clearly defined arguments. "General discourse" sets the stage, while a "specific debate" delves into the details.