general usage

USAGE SUMMARY

'general usage' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to accepted and widespread normal practices or habits in a language or a particular activity, such as: "The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'summertime' as a noun with general usage as ‘the season of summer’."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Office Supplies and General Roll-out/Set-up - This includes all forms of general usage items like staplers for the waiter station, host station, kitchen and office.

Bplans

Sony and others have devices that last in excess of two days with general usage.

The Guardian - Tech

What is introduced today for terrorism almost invariably enters general usage shortly thereafter.

The Guardian

This film single-handedly restored the word "pomade" to general usage.

The Guardian - Film

Diplolingo is now wresting the phrase back from the general usage.

The New York Times - Magazine

But "so" is the weasel word of the moment, spreading into general usage.

The Guardian - Opinion

In general usage the word "paranoia" means an undue sense of suspicion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, it is not in common or general usage outside of the railroad world.

Cornell University

In general usage the name continental divide is applied to the main water parting in any continent.

Britannica

In general usage, particularly in engineering, the term ferromagnetic is frequently applied to any material that is appreciably magnetic.

Britannica

Poly(lactide) (PLA) is rapidly gaining interest as a biodegradable thermoplastic for general usage in degradable disposables.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, specify the field or area of "general usage". For example, “in general usage within the medical field…”.

Common error

Avoid using "general usage" without providing specific context or examples. Saying something is in "general usage" without supporting evidence can weaken your argument. Provide evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general usage" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the customary or widespread way something is used or understood, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "general usage" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to indicate that a term, concept, or practice is widely accepted and understood. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using "general usage", clarity is key; ensure the context specifies what is being commonly used or understood. Ludwig's data shows that overuse or generalizations without context are common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common practice

Emphasizes the habitual nature of the use.

standard application

Focuses on the conventional way something is applied.

typical employment

Highlights the normal manner in which something is used.

widespread adoption

Indicates that the use has become broadly accepted.

accepted convention

Stresses the agreed-upon nature of the usage.

prevailing custom

Suggests that the use is currently dominant.

established norm

Implies the use has become a standard or rule.

conventional form

Focuses on the traditional or expected way of doing something.

regular implementation

Emphasizes the consistency of the use.

overall application

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the application

FAQs

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

You can use "general usage" to describe the common way a word or phrase is used, or how a particular practice is typically carried out. For example, "In "general usage", the term 'algorithm' refers to a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem".

What are some alternatives to "general usage"?

Some alternatives to "general usage" include "common practice", "standard application", or "typical employment", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in general usage" or "in general use"?

Both "in "general usage"" and "in "general use"" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What does "general usage" imply about a term or practice?

"General usage" implies that a term or practice is widely accepted, understood, and employed by a significant portion of a population or within a particular field. It suggests a common understanding and application.