general policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'general policy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a broad set of rules or regulations that cover a particular area or subject matter. For example, "Our company has a general policy of providing employees with paid vacation time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(a)General policy.

Cornell University

§ 291.302 Purpose and general policy.

Cornell University

"China's general policy will not retreat.

The Washington Post

§ 22.305 General policy and requirement for competition.

Cornell University

We conclude by postulating some general policy advice.

Global Environmental Change

"As a matter of general policy, that's right," he said.

The New York Times

Until today there has been no general policy on amnesty.

The New York Times

§ 291.10 General policy regarding rental of acquired property.

Cornell University

(c), general policy, sectoral, functional, or policy advisory committees; subsec.

Cornell University

There's a general policy pivot that I think this suggests.

Yale University

This paper develops a general policy for learning the relevant features of an imitation task.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "general policy", specify the area or subject that it covers to provide clarity and context. For example, instead of saying "The general policy applies", specify "The general policy on employee conduct applies".

Common error

Avoid using "general policy" as a blanket statement without any specifics. Ensure the policy is well-defined and understood to avoid misinterpretations or inconsistent application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general policy" functions as a noun phrase that commonly refers to a set of overarching guidelines or rules established within an organization, institution, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general policy" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe overarching rules or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in a variety of contexts. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and science-related sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using "general policy", it's important to specify the subject or area to which it applies to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "standard procedure" or "established guideline", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to define the scope of the "general policy" clearly to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overarching rule

Emphasizes the dominant and controlling aspect of the policy.

Prevailing regulation

Highlights the legal aspect of the policy as a controlling standard.

Established guideline

Highlights the guiding nature of the policy rather than its broad scope.

Broad principle

Stresses the fundamental nature of the policy, potentially lacking specific details.

Standard procedure

Focuses on established methods and routines rather than overarching principles.

Overall approach

Suggests a way of dealing with something, potentially less formal than a policy.

Typical protocol

Stresses the step-by-step nature of the policy in a specific situation.

Common practice

Emphasizes what is typically done, not necessarily a formal rule.

Usual custom

Implies a habitual way of doing things, often informal.

Default setting

Refers to a preselected option, not always a consciously chosen policy.

FAQs

How is "general policy" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "general policy" is usually followed by a prepositional phrase specifying what the policy concerns, for example, "general policy on data privacy" or "general policy regarding employee benefits".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "general policy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "standard procedure", "established guideline", or "overall approach".

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

Yes, "general policy" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, academic, or legal contexts where clear communication of rules and guidelines is essential.

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

"General policy" refers to broad guidelines or rules that apply across a wide range of situations, while "specific policy" refers to a detailed rule that applies to a particular situation or case.