general practitioner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general practitioner" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a medical doctor who provides primary care and treats a variety of health issues. Example: "I need to schedule an appointment with my general practitioner for a routine check-up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

General Practitioner, Leicestershire.

The Guardian

Her mother was a general practitioner.

The New York Times

General Practitioner, Thursby Surgery, Burnley, Lancashire.

Independent

Kayzia's of becoming a general practitioner?

The Washington Post

Patients are normally followed by a general practitioner.

Nature

His father is a general practitioner in Carlsbad.

The New York Times - Style

I used this method many times as a general practitioner.

The New York Times - Science

general practitioner cooperative.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Australian General Practitioner, Blogger.

Huffington Post

A third son became a general practitioner.

Wikipedia

Most prisons have a general practitioner, but not an endocrinologist.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, consider using "GP" after the first mention of "general practitioner" for brevity and clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "general practitioner" has the same level of specialized knowledge as a specialist. Refer complex cases to appropriate specialists for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general practitioner" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of medical professional. As evidenced by Ludwig, it clearly denotes a physician who provides primary healthcare services.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general practitioner" is a common and grammatically correct term for a primary care physician. Ludwig's analysis shows it's widely used in both scientific and news contexts. When a more casual tone is needed, "family doctor" can be a good alternative. As Ludwig AI points out, this term is suitable for a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

family doctor

Emphasizes the personal and long-term relationship with the patient.

primary care physician

Highlights the role as the main point of contact for healthcare.

GP

A common abbreviation for "general practitioner".

local doctor

Focuses on the geographical proximity of the doctor.

community doctor

Highlights the doctor's role in the local community.

medical practitioner

A broader term referring to anyone practicing medicine.

physician

A more formal term for a medical doctor.

doctor

A general term for a medical professional.

healthcare provider

A broad term encompassing various medical professionals.

attending physician

Focuses on the doctor's role in attending to patients.

FAQs

What is the role of a "general practitioner"?

A "general practitioner" is a physician who provides primary care, treating common illnesses, providing preventative care, and referring patients to specialists when necessary.

What is another term for a "general practitioner"?

Another common term for a "general practitioner" is "family doctor" or "primary care physician".

How do I find a good "general practitioner"?

You can find a good "general practitioner" by asking for recommendations from friends and family, checking online reviews, or contacting your local medical association.

Is there a difference between a "general practitioner" and a specialist?

Yes, a "general practitioner" provides primary care for a wide range of medical issues, while a specialist has expertise in a specific area of medicine, such as cardiology or dermatology.