general people

USAGE SUMMARY

"general people" is a correct phrase in written English and can be used to refer to the collective group of people in a general sense.
For example, "In general, people tend to be optimistic about their future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In general, people really like them".

The New York Times

In general, people want a new 'Ring.' " .

The New Yorker

In general, people wildly underestimated their chances of reaching 75.

Independent

But in general people have been very kind to me.

Independent

"People have learned that, in general, people are basically good.

The New Yorker

In general, people now have more favorable views of him.

The New York Times

But, in general, people here cycle because it's cheap.

The Guardian

In general, people who are wealthier have bigger carbon footprints.

The Guardian

In general, people don't come to Vegas to admire art.

The Guardian - Arts

But, in general, people are not so strict with time.

The New York Times

"In general, people will spend more money and be happier".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general people", ensure that the context clarifies whether you are referring to all people or a specific subset. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough information to define the group you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "general people" in contexts where specific demographics or groups are more relevant. Overgeneralizing can lead to inaccurate or misleading statements. Always specify the group when possible to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general people" functions as a general noun phrase, referring to an unspecified group of individuals. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to make broad statements about behaviors, preferences, or characteristics applicable to a wide population.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general people" is a common and acceptable way to refer to people in a broad sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples demonstrate its frequent use across news, scientific, and general interest sources. While "people in general" might be considered more idiomatic, "general people" is widely understood and used to express generalizations about behaviors, opinions, or characteristics applicable to a large population. When employing this phrase, ensure your context is clear to avoid ambiguity and overgeneralization, which can lead to inaccurate or misleading statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the public

Refers to people as a collective entity, often in the context of government or societal matters.

ordinary people

Emphasizes the commonality and lack of distinction among the people being referred to.

average citizens

Highlights the role of people as members of a state or nation, with the implication of typical or representative qualities.

the population

A statistical term indicating all the inhabitants of a particular area or group.

common folk

An informal term emphasizing the non-elite status of the people.

the masses

Often used to describe a large, undifferentiated group of people, sometimes with a negative connotation.

the citizenry

Focuses on people as members of a political community, with associated rights and responsibilities.

humanity

Refers to all human beings collectively.

individuals

Emphasizes the separate and distinct nature of each person.

the world

Indicates the people inhabiting the planet Earth.

FAQs

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

You can use "general people" to refer to people in a broad or unspecified way, for example, "In general, people prefer convenience over complexity."

What is a good alternative to "general people"?

Alternatives include "the public", "ordinary people", or "average citizens", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "people in general" or "general people"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "people in general" is often considered more idiomatic. "General people" is still widely understood and used.

What does it mean to refer to "general people"?

Referring to "general people" typically means discussing trends, opinions, or behaviors that are widespread among the population at large, without focusing on any particular group or characteristic.