Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
general intelligence
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "general intelligence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person's overall level of intelligence or cognitive abilities. Example: "The test measured both verbal and non-verbal abilities, providing an overall assessment of a person's general intelligence."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"They measure general intelligence".
News & Media
Also general intelligence.
News & Media
(Performance on the task strongly predicts general intelligence).
News & Media
General intelligence contributed to success on all 25 subjects.
Science
6.S099: Artificial General Intelligence (Winter IAP 2018).
Will Artificial General Intelligence someday replace business executives?
It's also an area involved in reasoning and general intelligence.
News & Media
Duncan, J. et al. A neural basis for general intelligence.
Science & Research
Psychologists sometimes refer to this similarity as general intelligence.
News & Media
But we know that if we could solve all the issues and challenges behind this framework, then that would be enough for general intelligence, human level general intelligence.
We also assessed general intelligence for further analyses of differences between instruction groups.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing research or studies, use "general intelligence" to refer to the underlying construct measured by IQ tests or other cognitive assessments.
Common error
Avoid assuming that high "general intelligence" automatically translates to success in all areas of life. While it correlates with many positive outcomes, other factors like emotional intelligence, social skills, and domain-specific knowledge also play crucial roles.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "general intelligence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a broad cognitive ability that underlies performance on a variety of mental tests. Ludwig shows that it's often a subject or object in sentences related to cognitive abilities or assessments.
Frequent in
Science
48%
News & Media
28%
Academia
11%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "general intelligence" is a well-established and widely used term in psychology and cognitive science to describe a person's overall cognitive ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and predominantly found in formal and scientific contexts, such as academic research and news reports. While often measured through standardized tests, it's crucial to remember that "general intelligence" is just one aspect of a person's overall capabilities, and shouldn't be overgeneralized. Alternatives like "overall cognitive ability" or "general mental capacity" can be used depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
general mental capacity
A more direct synonym, focusing on mental capacity.
overall cognitive ability
Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of cognitive skills.
broad intellectual capacity
Highlights the wide-ranging aspect of intellectual capabilities.
global cognitive function
Focuses on the overall functioning of cognitive processes.
comprehensive mental aptitude
Stresses the completeness of mental capabilities.
overall reasoning ability
Highlights the ability to reason effectively across different domains.
intellectual quotient
Referring to the score obtained from intelligence tests.
reasoning capability
Emphasizes capacity to think logically.
cognitive prowess
Emphasizes exceptional skill and competence in cognitive tasks.
holistic cognitive skill
Stresses the integrated nature of cognitive skill.
FAQs
How is "general intelligence" typically measured?
"General intelligence" is often assessed using standardized tests like the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) or the Reynolds Intellectual Screening Test (RIST), which evaluate various cognitive abilities.
What is the relationship between "general intelligence" and academic achievement?
"General intelligence" is correlated with academic success, but it's not the only factor. Motivation, study habits, and quality of instruction also significantly contribute to a student's performance.
What are some alternative ways to describe "general intelligence"?
You can use alternatives like "overall cognitive ability", "broad intellectual capacity", or "general mental capacity" depending on the context.
Does "general intelligence" change over time?
While "general intelligence" is considered relatively stable, research suggests that it can be influenced by factors such as education, environment, and health. Reading may, over time, improve "general intelligence".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested