general feel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general feel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the overall atmosphere or atmosphere of a situation or event. For example, "The general feel of the meeting was that everyone was in agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

You'd get a general feel".

The New York Times

"Musicals in general feel middle class.

The New York Times - Magazine

The same goes for the general feel of the place.

The Guardian - Arts

If you have any questions regarding auditions or DeCadence in general, feel free to ask!

University of California, Berkeley

Conditions there were rudimentary, but the general feel was not that of a jail.

The New York Times

What is the general feel of the West End since Sept. 11? Contradictory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Beyond this, there is a general feel-good attitude — bordering on fascination — toward Jews.

The New York Times

The president has made 'economy-friendly' comments, along with proposals for financial market reform, which is again certainly helping add to the general feel-good factor.

The Guardian - Business

His top general feels differently.

The Washington Post

The general feels no such sense of loyalty to the democratic state.

The Guardian

By November, the general felt trapped, declared a state of emergency and fired 60 judges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "general feel" to succinctly describe the overall impression or prevailing sentiment of a situation, environment, or product. It's particularly effective when you want to convey a subjective but widely perceived quality.

Common error

While "general feel" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise and descriptive language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "overall impression" or "prevailing atmosphere" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general feel" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it describing an atmosphere, impression, or sentiment. It conveys a holistic understanding or perception of something rather than a detailed analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general feel" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an overall impression or atmosphere. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and easily understood. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, "general feel" serves to convey a holistic, often subjective, understanding of a situation or entity. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required for your writing; in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "overall impression" or "prevailing atmosphere" may be more appropriate. Ultimately, "general feel" is a useful tool for communicating a broad sense of something without delving into excessive detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general sense

Substitutes "feel" with "sense", implying an intuitive understanding.

general atmosphere

Focuses specifically on the atmosphere of a place or situation.

overall impression

Replaces "feel" with a more formal term, focusing on the resulting perception.

common perception

Focuses on how something is generally understood or viewed.

prevailing atmosphere

Shifts the focus to the environment or mood that is most noticeable.

dominant mood

Highlights the prevailing emotional state.

collective sentiment

Emphasizes the shared emotion or opinion within a group.

basic understanding

Replaces "feel" with "understanding", indicating a fundamental grasp of something.

overall vibe

Uses a more informal term ("vibe") to describe the atmosphere or mood.

ambient sensation

Uses more sensory-focused terms to describe the prevailing experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "general feel" to describe the atmosphere or overall impression of something. For example, "The "general feel of the room" was welcoming and comfortable."

What's a more formal alternative to "general feel"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "overall impression" or "prevailing atmosphere" instead of "general feel".

Is "general feel" appropriate for academic writing?

While "general feel" is acceptable in many contexts, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Evaluate if a more specific term would enhance clarity and rigor.

How does "general feel" differ from "overall sense"?

"General feel" often implies a more emotional or sensory impression, while "overall sense" suggests a more cognitive or intellectual understanding. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize emotion or understanding.