general summary

USAGE SUMMARY

"general summary" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a brief overview or synopsis of a topic. For example, "This report contains a general summary of the findings of the most recent study on the effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With cameras rolling, he was asked for a general summary of the day.

The New York Times - Sports

A general summary of today's proceedings at the United Nations is here.

The Guardian

This chapter also offers a general summary and conclusion for the present book.

Shaping Knowledge Complex Social-Spatial Modelling for Adaptive Organizations

As far as I know there is not a general summary still.

University of California, Berkeley

That said, please feel free to provide a general summary of your perspective.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

GEN. ALEXANDROV: Now can you give us at least a general summary of your activities?

Yale University

This chapter provides a general summary of fatigue concepts, measurement techniques or methods, data presentation, and theory.

Fatigue and Tribological Properties of Plastics and Elastomers

And she's hazy on details, preferring the fuzzy and general summary to the sharp and particular representation.

The New York Times - Books

To these is added a general summary, containing an account of the general laws which govern the regenerative processes and their development in phylogeny.

Nature

You can start with the Guardian or Penguin guides to careers, both of which provide a good general summary of the most popular paths.

The Guardian

It provides a general summary of some of the influences that drive compensation decisions, including hiring rates, competitive practices, and grade placement.

Security Careers Skills, Compensation, and Career Paths

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a "general summary", focus on the most important aspects of the topic. Omit minor details to keep it concise and easily understandable.

Common error

Avoid including too much detail in a "general summary". The goal is to provide a broad overview, not a comprehensive analysis. Stick to the core concepts and key takeaways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general summary" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe or introduce a concise overview of a topic. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is widely used, indicating its acceptability and commonality in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

23%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general summary" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a concise overview of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various writing contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including science, news, academia, and business. When using this phrase, remember to prioritize key points and avoid excessive detail to maintain clarity and brevity. For alternative phrasing, consider "overall summary" or "brief overview" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall summary

This alternative emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the summary, covering all aspects.

summary overview

Similar to "general summary" but emphasizes the overview aspect.

brief overview

This phrase highlights the conciseness and introductory nature of the summary.

concise synopsis

This alternative stresses the brevity and essential points of the summary.

executive summary

This is typically used in business or formal contexts to provide a high-level overview.

abstract

This term is common in academic and scientific writing, indicating a condensed version of a paper.

general outline

Focuses on the structural aspect of the summary, highlighting the main points.

broad summation

Implies a comprehensive yet condensed account.

comprehensive recap

Emphasizes the review aspect, bringing together key points.

condensed report

Highlights the abridged and formal nature of the summary.

FAQs

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

You can use "general summary" to introduce a concise overview of a topic, for example: "This report provides a "general summary" of the key findings."

What are some alternatives to "general summary"?

Alternatives include "overall summary", "brief overview", or "concise synopsis", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "general summary" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider using "executive summary" or "abstract" in specific business or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "general summary" and "detailed report"?

A "general summary" offers a broad overview, while a "detailed report" provides an in-depth analysis with specific data and evidence.