general explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or overall description of a topic or concept. Example: "The teacher provided a general explanation of the scientific method before diving into the specifics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More generally, the Relief Theory is seldom used as a general explanation of laughter or humor.

SEP

This seems unlikely to provide a general explanation, given that long-lived hosts do not generally outlive infection [ 16, 29, 30, 50, 51].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

I would say the most significant general explanation would be the poor governance.

The Guardian

So scholars began to look for a more general explanation, a single master theory.

The New York Times - Arts

The chapter starts off with a general explanation of authentication infrastructure terminology.

Windows Server 2003 Security Infrastructures

"To be honest with you, it was a general explanation," Dutse said.

The Washington Post

A general explanation involving the inclusion of H-H defects into the lamellae is suggested.

Polymer

Seeking the general explanation: A test of inductive activities for learning and transfer.

Stanford University

An amendment to the page removes these lines in favour of a general explanation of what extreme weather is.

The Guardian

Other Information on the Web: A general explanation of negative space can be found at About.com (//painting.about.com/library/weekly/aanegativespace.htm).htm

The New York Times

Lilla tries to develop these thoughts into a general explanation in the book's final essay, "The Lure of Syracuse".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general explanation", ensure the context is appropriate for a broad overview. Avoid using it when specific details are required.

Common error

Avoid substituting a thorough analysis with a "general explanation" in technical or scientific writing. Always provide specific details and evidence when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "provide a general explanation") or following a preposition. Ludwig examples show it introducing or describing broad concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general explanation" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase suitable for providing a broad overview of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce or describe concepts without delving into specifics. While it appears most often in scientific and news contexts, it's crucial to remember that a "general explanation" should not replace detailed analysis when necessary. Alternatives like "overall explanation" or "broad overview" can be considered for variety. Using "general explanation" effectively involves balancing the need for simplicity with the necessity of sufficient detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall explanation

Focuses on encompassing all aspects, suggesting a comprehensive nature.

broad explanation

Emphasizes the wide scope and lack of specific details.

basic explanation

Highlights the fundamental aspects, suitable for beginners.

general overview

Stresses a high-level summary, avoiding detailed analysis.

introductory explanation

Implies the beginning stage of understanding a concept.

preliminary explanation

Suggests a tentative explanation given before further investigation.

simplified explanation

Highlights making a complex topic easier to understand.

general account

Similar to explanation, but implies narration or a story-like description.

summary explanation

Highlights the concise form of the explanation.

high-level explanation

Refers to a non-technical or non-detailed explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "general explanation" to introduce a broad overview of a topic. For instance, "The professor provided a "general explanation" of the theory before delving into the specifics."

What's a good alternative to "general explanation"?

Consider using alternatives like "overall explanation", "broad overview", or "basic introduction" depending on the level of detail required.

When is it appropriate to use a "general explanation" versus a detailed one?

A "general explanation" is suitable when providing a preliminary understanding or a high-level summary. Use a detailed explanation when specific, in-depth knowledge is necessary.

What's the difference between "general explanation" and "detailed analysis"?

"General explanation" offers a broad overview, while "detailed analysis" involves a thorough examination of specific components and aspects. The choice depends on the audience's needs and the purpose of the communication.