general population

USAGE SUMMARY

"general population" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the people in a group or area that are being studied or discussed. For example, "The survey data gathered from the general population helped the researchers gain insight into the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not the general population".

Independent

The general population was divided almost evenly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They're in the general population.

The New York Times

Was Yugoslavia's general population contaminated, too?

The New York Times

Lynchers rarely represented the general population.

The New York Times

How about among the general population?

The Guardian - Film

Most sexual abuse victims in the general population are female.

The New York Times

Are the sick kept with the general population?

The New York Times

Painstakingly, the collective built support throughout the general population.

The Guardian

But the elderly population grew faster than the general population.

The New York Times

People in the general population don't learn about public budgeting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing subgroups within a larger population, be specific about which group you're contrasting with the "general population". For instance, "Compared to patients with diabetes, the general population shows a lower risk of cardiovascular disease."

Common error

Avoid treating the "general population" as a monolithic entity. Acknowledge and account for diverse demographics, socioeconomic factors, and individual differences that can influence outcomes or behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general population" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It's used to denote the main body of people in a given area or group, often in contrast to a specific subgroup. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general population" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to the majority of individuals in a specific area or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English and serves as a baseline for comparisons with subgroups. Its neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific research. Common usages involve statistical analysis, trend reporting, and characterizing societal norms. While useful, it is important to avoid treating the "general population" as a homogenous block.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general public

Replaces "population" with "public", emphasizing the collective nature of the group.

overall populace

Substitutes "population" with the similar term "populace", maintaining a formal tone.

majority of individuals

Highlights the numerical dominance of this group within a larger context.

average person

Focuses on the typical or representative individual within the larger group.

typical citizens

Highlights the civic identity of individuals within the population.

ordinary people

Highlights the normal or unremarkable status of the individuals in the group.

common people

Emphasizes the ordinariness and lack of distinction among the group.

mainstream society

Focuses on the dominant cultural norms and values held by the group.

the masses

Implies a large, undifferentiated group, often with a slightly negative connotation.

the rank and file

Suggests a non-elite segment of a group or organization

FAQs

How do I use "general population" in a sentence?

"General population" typically refers to the majority of people in a specific area or group. For example, "The study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the general population."

What are some alternatives to "general population"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "general public", "average person", or "overall populace".

Is it correct to say "general populations"?

Yes, using the plural "general populations" is correct when referring to multiple distinct general populations. For example, "We compared the healthcare access across several general populations in different countries."

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

"General population" refers to everyone or most people in a defined area, while "specific population" refers to a defined subset with particular characteristics (e.g., age, health condition). For instance, a study might compare the effectiveness of a treatment in a "specific population" of elderly patients versus its effects in the "general population".