general guideline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general guideline" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a basic rule or principle that can be applied in various situations. For example: - The company's dress code is a general guideline, but managers have the flexibility to allow exceptions for certain occasions. - The doctor provided me with some general guidelines on how to improve my overall health. - When writing a research paper, it's important to follow the general guidelines set by the academic institution. - As a teacher, I have to ensure that my lesson plans align with the general guidelines of the curriculum. - The government has issued general guidelines for businesses to follow in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A more general guideline for DLC selection is discussed.

Surface and Coatings Technology

One general guideline: *Use from light to heavy: shock, tear gas, rubber.

The New Yorker

As a general guideline, they shouldn't exceed 25percentt of the budget.

The New York Times - Food

This is less a recipe than a general guideline for one of my favourite strawberry puddings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Convergence analysis and a general guideline to provide starting values for computed eigenvalues are presented.

Journal of Computational Physics

As a general guideline, the elective should be from outside of the student's major department.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was the first time the group had departed from a general guideline to recommend a specific food.

The New York Times - Health

A general guideline of choosing a, b, and ω0 is provided in this paper.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

On their website, the EPA says the agency considers their range estimates a "general guideline" for consumers.

The Washington Post

Teixeira said that 10 to 14 days is only a general guideline.

The New York Times - Sports

According to Teixeira, 10 to 14 days is a general guideline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "general guideline", ensure you clarify that it's not a strict rule and might have exceptions based on specific situations.

Common error

Avoid applying a "general guideline" rigidly without considering the context or individual circumstances. Recognize that these guidelines are meant to be flexible and adaptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general guideline" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves to introduce or describe a recommendation or principle that is broadly applicable but not necessarily definitive. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general guideline" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that serves to introduce flexible recommendations applicable across numerous contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate for diverse writing styles, especially in news, science, academic, and wiki contexts. When using "general guideline", remember to emphasize that it provides direction but isn't a strict rule and may require adaptation based on specific scenarios. Alternatives include "general principle" or "rule of thumb", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general principle

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the guideline.

overall recommendation

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the advice.

broad recommendation

Focuses on the act of recommending rather than the nature of the guideline.

rule of thumb

Suggests a practical and approximate principle, often based on experience.

suggested approach

Highlights that the guideline is a recommendation, not a strict rule.

standard practice

Emphasizes the conventional or accepted way of doing things.

high-level guidance

Emphasizes the broad and strategic nature of the advice.

basic principle

Focuses on the fundamental aspect of the guideline.

common procedure

Highlights the routine or established nature of the guideline.

typical approach

Emphasizes the usual way of dealing with something.

FAQs

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

You can use "general guideline" to introduce a principle or recommendation that is generally applicable but not always definitive. For example, "As a "general guideline", you should aim to save 15% of your income."

What's the difference between a "general guideline" and a strict rule?

A "general guideline" is a flexible recommendation, while a strict rule is a mandatory regulation. Guidelines are meant to be adapted to specific situations, whereas rules must be followed without exception.

What are some alternatives to "general guideline"?

You can use alternatives like "general principle", "rule of thumb", or "broad recommendation" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "general guideline" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to introduce a non-binding recommendation or principle, as seen in various academic and business sources.