general movement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general movement" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a broad or overall trend or action, often in contexts related to physical motion, social dynamics, or changes in behavior. For example, "The general movement of the crowd was towards the exit." Alternative expressions include "overall motion" and "broad movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The general movement of water in the sea is counterclockwise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It grew out of a more general movement called the New Left.

The New York Times

The solution lies in blurring measurements and programming the devices to react to general movement.

The New York Times - Tech

Now the general movement in fitness tends to be full body and core conditioning".

The New York Times

That's the general movement of Mr. Wilson's extraordinary cycle of plays and of "Hedley" in particular.

The New York Times

"The newfound popularity of libraries is part of a general movement toward traditional design and décor".

The New Yorker

One is a general movement towards more overt signs of piety, including "Islamic" attire.

The Economist

"Feathers, sometimes weighted, and other excrescences wave, flutter, tremble or bend to enhance the general movement of the dancer".

The New York Times - Arts

The timing coincided with a general movement against the large brewing conglomerates that dominate the Canadian market.

The Guardian - Travel

Beastie Boys, "Body Movin'": The Beasties are discussing more general movement of bodies, but it's hard to resist the video.

The New Yorker

Some designers in their fall lines started a general movement to resculpture tailoring from a flat plane to 3-D.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in abstract concepts like market trends or social attitudes, use "general movement" to indicate the primary direction or overall shift. For instance, "The general movement in consumer preference is toward sustainable products."

Common error

Avoid using "general movement" when describing precise or localized actions. For example, instead of saying "The general movement of the hand was to the left", use "The hand moved to the left".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general movement" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a broad or overall trend. Ludwig examples show it describing trends in fitness, social attitudes, and physical motion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general movement" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe broad trends and directions. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, it's best used when discussing overall patterns rather than specific actions. Alternatives like "overall trend" or "prevailing direction" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overusing it in highly specific situations for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall motion

Focuses on the aggregate movement rather than specific instances.

overall trend

Focuses on the trend aspect, rather than literal movement.

broad pattern

Emphasizes the overall pattern or arrangement.

general tendency

Highlights the inclination towards a certain direction or behavior.

prevailing direction

Underscores the main course or path being taken.

common direction

Stresses shared direction or orientation.

predominant flow

Highlights the main current or stream.

major shift

Emphasizes a significant change or redirection.

typical trajectory

Refers to a usual path or course of action.

widespread drift

Suggests a gradual and extensive shift.

FAQs

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

You can use "general movement" to describe an overall trend or direction, like, "The general movement of the population was towards urban areas" or "The general movement in the stock market was upward".

What are some alternatives to "general movement"?

Some alternatives include "overall trend", "broad pattern", or "prevailing direction", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "general movement" is appropriate for formal writing. It's often used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to describe overall trends or shifts.

What's the difference between "general movement" and "specific movement"?

"General movement" refers to an overarching trend or direction, while "specific movement" refers to a particular action or change. For example, the "general movement" of a car might be eastward, while a "specific movement" could be turning left.