general sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"general sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the overall impression or feeling created by something, or the accepted idea or opinion about a particular situation. For example, "The general sense of the meeting was that everyone was in agreement about the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

General Mills or general sense?

The New York Times

And general sense of well-being?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Still, the general sense is clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Design theory characterizes design activities in the most general sense.

Software Design Methodology

"Disasters are newsworthy because of the general sense of alarm.

The Guardian

Flaubert's intelligence, moreover, was sharpened in a general sense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Timing was also a factor in a more general sense.

The New York Times

There's a general sense that American fashion is in crisis.

The New York Times

But my general sense is that biases are very robust.

Harvard Business Review

A general sense of not having control over one's fate.

The New York Times

In a general sense, this interpretation appears to be accurate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "general sense" when you want to convey an overall feeling or understanding, rather than a specific detail. It's useful for summarizing impressions or shared opinions.

Common error

Don't confuse "general sense" with "common sense". "General sense" refers to a prevailing feeling or understanding, while "common sense" refers to practical judgment and basic knowledge that most people share.

Linguistic Context

"General sense" typically functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a prevailing feeling, understanding, or impression shared by a group or associated with a situation. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility in conveying overall sentiments, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general sense" is a versatile noun phrase used to express an overall feeling, understanding, or impression. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While "general sense" is often used to convey prevailing opinions or broad understandings, it's crucial not to confuse it with "common sense", which refers to practical judgment. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "overall impression" or "common understanding", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general feeling

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of an understanding.

overall impression

Focuses on the feeling or idea one gets from something.

general perception

Focuses on how something is commonly viewed or understood.

common understanding

Indicates a shared knowledge or agreement on a topic.

prevailing sentiment

Highlights the dominant feeling or attitude held by a group of people.

prevailing view

Focuses on the most commonly accepted opinion.

general consensus

Stresses the agreement reached by a group.

widespread belief

Highlights that a particular idea is held by many people.

collective consciousness

Refers to the shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.

overarching theme

Highlights the main, unifying idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "general sense" to describe an overall feeling or understanding about something. For example: "There's a "general sense" that the project is on track."

What's a good alternative to "general sense"?

Alternatives include "overall impression", "general feeling", or "common understanding", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in a general sense"?

Yes, "in a "general sense"" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that you are speaking broadly or not going into specific details.

What is the difference between "general sense" and "common sense"?

"General sense" refers to an overall feeling or prevailing opinion, while "common sense" refers to sound practical judgment concerning everyday matters.