general thrust

USAGE SUMMARY

"general thrust" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the overall sense/meaning/direction of something. For example, "The general thrust of the novel is one of hope and optimism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not enthusiastic, was the general thrust.

Independent

The more general thrust is obvious, too.

The New York Times

The general thrust of it, however, is clear enough.

The Guardian - Books

The general thrust is that the state shouldn't support unemployed young people to live independently.

Independent

The general thrust of this — that the world admires Australia's border policies — is not new.

The New York Times

This was the general thrust of the production's politics: civic-minded, jaded but not complacent.

The New Yorker

A spokesman for McDonnell said the general thrust of the speech had been agreed beforehand.

The Guardian

It is possible, though, to concede all these points and discard Hutton's general thrust as rubbish.

The Guardian

Based on the general thrust here, I think the chances of this are slim.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I agree with the general thrust of "Testing and Learning" (editorial, June 19).

The New York Times

"The general thrust was that they read into the comments that they were anti-Semitic," he said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "general thrust" to succinctly convey the overall intention or direction of an argument, policy, or creative work, avoiding unnecessary detail.

Common error

Avoid using "general thrust" when you need to discuss specific details or nuances. It is best employed for summarizing the overarching concept, not for granular analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general thrust" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the overall direction, intention, or main point of something, summarizing its essence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general thrust" is a versatile and frequently used term that serves to capture the essence, direction, or primary focus of a subject. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical function is primarily that of a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. Its strength lies in offering a concise summary, particularly useful in formal and news contexts. While alternatives like "main idea" or "overall direction" exist, "general thrust" offers a unique concision. Be mindful to use it for summarizing overarching concepts, not for discussing specific details. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main idea

Highlights the central concept or point, simplifying complex information.

gist

Refers to the essence of something, often used to quickly summarize a longer piece of information.

central theme

Focuses on the recurring subject or topic that ties a work or discussion together.

overall direction

Emphasizes the course or trajectory of something, focusing on movement and progression.

overarching idea

Highlights a broad, encompassing concept that dominates a discussion or piece of work.

substance

Indicates the core content or meaning, emphasizing importance and value.

basic principle

Emphasizes a fundamental rule or guideline that underlies a system or belief.

drift

Suggests a gradual shift in direction or meaning, implying a subtle change over time.

predominant thought

Focuses on the main idea that is most evident or influential.

tenor

Refers to the prevailing character or tone, often used to describe the mood or atmosphere of a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "general thrust" to indicate the overall direction, main idea, or essential meaning of something. For example, "The "general thrust" of the argument is that climate change poses a significant threat".

What phrases are similar to "general thrust"?

Alternatives to "general thrust" include "main idea", "overall direction", and "central theme", each offering a slightly different emphasis on the overarching concept.

Is "general thrust" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "general thrust" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in academic, journalistic, and professional contexts to efficiently summarize complex ideas or policies.

What's the difference between "general thrust" and "specific details"?

"General thrust" refers to the overall concept or direction, while "specific details" are the individual components that support or illustrate that concept. One summarizes, the other elaborates.