general trend

USAGE SUMMARY

"general trend" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a pattern or tendency towards something. For example, "The general trend of the stock market has been downward over the past month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the more general trend is resignation.

The Economist

"There is a general trend," he said.

The New York Times

This seems to be the general trend.

Cornell University

But the general trend is clear.

The Guardian

But the general trend has been downwards.Why?

The Economist

Flip-flops and sandals with suits: a general trend.

The New Yorker

Both counts, however, show the same general trend.

The New York Times

"From our understanding, that's not the general trend," she said.

The New York Times

But they can provide some insight into the general trend.

The New York Times

But that's the general trend if you plot those data.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The images illustrate a general trend observed for globular clusters.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data, use "general trend" to describe the overall direction before diving into specific deviations or outliers.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "general trend" as an absolute rule. Always acknowledge that exceptions and variations may exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general trend" functions as a noun phrase that describes a prevailing pattern or direction observed over a period of time or across a range of instances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

30%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general trend" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that describes a prevailing pattern or direction. As Ludwig AI notes, it serves as a concise way to summarize overall movements or tendencies. Common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. While interchangeable with terms like "overall pattern" or "prevailing tendency", it's crucial to avoid overstating a "general trend" as an absolute rule and acknowledge potential exceptions. Overall, the phrase "general trend" provides a valuable tool for communicating broad observations and setting the stage for more detailed analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall pattern

Focuses on the visual or structural aspect of a trend.

general direction

Focuses on the path something is taking.

prevailing tendency

Emphasizes the inclination or predisposition of something.

typical pattern

Highlights a standard pattern that emerges accross instances.

common direction

Highlights the shared path or route of multiple elements.

overall inclination

Highlights a natural tendency that emerges accross instances.

typical development

Suggests a standard or expected course of events.

common theme

Highlights a pattern that emerges accross instances.

predominant movement

Implies a leading or dominant shift or change.

widespread inclination

Highlights the broad acceptance or adoption of a particular behavior or idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "general trend" to describe a common direction or pattern observed over time. For example, "The "general trend" in consumer spending is shifting towards online purchases".

What are some synonyms for "general trend"?

Alternatives to "general trend" include "overall pattern", "prevailing tendency", or "common direction".

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

Yes, "general trend" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to describe a pattern or direction.

What's the difference between "general trend" and "specific instance"?

"General trend" describes a broad pattern, while "specific instance" refers to a particular occurrence that may or may not align with the overall trend. Recognizing both is crucial for comprehensive analysis.