general masses

USAGE SUMMARY

"general masses" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large group of people, usually to refer to them collectively. For example, "The general masses have become increasingly concerned with the impact of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Lamarck described them as forming "lateral ramifications" with respect to the general "masses" of organization represented by the classes.

Britannica

The company recently strengthened its balance sheet by selling shares to the general masses in an initial public offering.

TechCrunch

I have a feeling the general masses will eventually accept Facebook brain implants, sharing every detail of their lives, their own personal Truman Show.

Forbes

(-Delta ) assumes equal masses of the light particle and an infinite mass heavy particle but one easily accommodates general masses using the formalism in Sect.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

In general, masses in low-density breasts are better detected than masses in high-density breasts, although each algorithm performs differently with regard to this.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Steer clear of those who make specific promises: Search giants don't deliver on cue and are not interested in catering to anyone in particular, other than the general masses.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The general mass will always remember only the broadest strokes.

The Guardian - Music

They take into account non-linear isotherms, general mass transfer limitations and axial dispersion.

Chemical Engineering Science

A general mass transfer equation for single-phase free convection is derived.

Electrochimica Acta

A combined physical chemical nonequilibrium (PCNE) model was therefore used to describe general mass transport.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

In general, mass flux reduction was observed to follow an approximately one-to-one relationship with mass removal.

Chemosphere

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, use the phrase "general masses" to indicate the public or the majority of people. Ensure the context is appropriate and avoids any potentially pejorative connotations.

Common error

Avoid assuming homogeneity within the "general masses". Recognize that this group encompasses diverse individuals with varying opinions and backgrounds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general masses" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a collective group of people, often referring to the majority or the public at large. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general masses" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to the majority of people or the public. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted in English writing. While versatile, it's most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with a neutral register. When employing "general masses", consider alternatives like "the general public" or "the majority of people" for nuanced meaning. It's important to avoid overgeneralizing when using this phrase, recognizing the diversity within this broad group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the general public

Replaces "masses" with "public", focusing on the community rather than a collective.

the majority of people

Uses a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the quantity of individuals.

the common people

Highlights the ordinariness and shared experiences of the group.

ordinary citizens

Focuses on the civic role of individuals within a population.

the rank and file

Implies a large group of individuals, often within an organization or society.

the populace

A more formal term for the general population.

the multitude

Emphasizes the vast number of people.

the body politic

Refers to the people of a state or nation, considered as a collective entity.

the average person

Focuses on the typical or representative individual within the group.

the people at large

Emphasizes the broad and inclusive nature of the group.

FAQs

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

You can use "general masses" to refer to the majority of people. For example, "The new policy is designed to benefit the "general masses"."

What are some alternatives to "general masses"?

Some alternatives include "the general public", "the majority of people", or "the common people" depending on the context.

Is "general masses" a formal or informal phrase?

"General masses" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's important to consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it's appropriate.

What is the difference between "general masses" and "the elite"?

"General masses" refers to the majority of the population, while "the elite" refers to a small, privileged group. They are contrasting groups within society.