general release

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general release" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a document that releases one party from liability or claims made by another party. Example: "Before starting the project, both parties signed a general release to ensure that no future claims could be made against each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

General release August 25.

The Guardian - Film

'Arbitrage' is on general release.

Independent

'An Education' is on general release.

Independent

'Run All Night' is on general release.

Independent

'Frozen' Sing-Along is on general release.

Independent

'Kick-Ass' (15) is on general release.

Independent

'Frances Ha' is on general release.

Independent

'The Grandmaster' is on general release.

Independent

'It's Complicated' is on general release.

Independent

Zodiac is on general release.

The Guardian - Film

On general release 11 December.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the release of a film, album, or product, use "general release" to clearly indicate that it is available to the public at large, not just in limited screenings or pre-order formats.

Common error

Avoid using "general release" when the availability is restricted to specific regions, platforms, or timeframes. Use more specific terms like "limited release" or "exclusive release" to accurately describe such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general release" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the state of being available to the public. Ludwig confirms this usage across various sources, indicating its standard grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general release" is a noun phrase denoting the widespread availability of a product, predominantly a film. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news and media. While "general release" is widely accepted, it's important to use it accurately to avoid confusion with limited releases. Alternatives like ""public release"" and ""wide distribution"" can be used depending on the specific context. Its consistent presence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and communicative value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public release

Focuses on making something available to the public.

wide distribution

Emphasizes the broad reach of distribution.

nationwide release

Specifies that the release occurs across the entire nation.

broad circulation

Highlights the extent of dissemination.

mass market availability

Focuses on the availability to the mass market.

commercial launch

Highlights the start of commercial availability.

initial release

Indicates the first instance of making something available.

official launch

Emphasizes the official nature of the release.

worldwide availability

Specifies that the release occurs worldwide.

open distribution

Emphasizes the accessibility of the release.

FAQs

What does "general release" mean in the context of movies?

In the movie industry, "general release" means the film is available for viewing in most cinemas nationwide, as opposed to film festival screenings or limited theatrical runs.

How does a "general release" differ from a limited release?

A "general release" involves a film being shown in a large number of theaters across a wide geographic area. A limited release, on the other hand, is when a film is shown in only a few select theaters, usually in major cities. Sometimes movies will undergo a "limited release" before moving to a wider one.

When is it appropriate to use "general release" in writing?

Use "general release" when you want to specify that a product, especially a film, book, or software, is widely available to the public through common distribution channels.

What are some synonyms for "general release"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "public release", "wide distribution", or "nationwide release" as alternatives for "general release".