general welfare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general welfare" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about public policy, government responsibilities, or social programs aimed at promoting the well-being of the population. Example: "The government has a duty to promote the general welfare of its citizens through effective social programs and policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But public policy is meant to advance the general welfare.

The New York Times

This Government is expressly charged with the duty of providing for the general welfare.

The Economist

Frederick also worked to promote the general welfare of his kingdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But food stamps, an indirect subsidy to farmers, clearly improve the general welfare.

The New York Times - Books

Under the Constitution, Congress can exercise its taxing power to provide for the "general welfare".

The New York Times - Health

(Forget about promoting the general welfare and creating a more perfect union).

The New Yorker

I speak to parents every day – about everything from dental appointments to general welfare.

The Guardian

What kind of person constitutes a threat to public safety and the general welfare?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now what does that "general Welfare mean?

Huffington Post

You who strive to form this Perfect Union and promote General Welfare You are Patriots.

Vice

"If it's general welfare medical issues, for instance then the tribe can justify it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing government policies or legislation, use "general welfare" to emphasize that the intended outcome is to benefit all citizens, not just a select few.

Common error

Avoid using "general welfare" when referring to programs that primarily benefit specific individuals or groups; instead, use terms like "social services" or "targeted assistance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general welfare" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It's used to denote the overall well-being of a community or society. As noted by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in contexts discussing public policy and government responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general welfare" is a noun phrase denoting the overall well-being of a society. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage in discussions about public policy and government responsibilities. While "general welfare" most frequently occurs in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, it is important to understand the difference between "general welfare" and alternatives like "social welfare" and "public good". Using "general welfare" correctly ensures clear and effective communication about the aims of government and society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public good

Focuses on the benefits accruing to the population as a whole, rather than specific groups.

common good

Emphasizes shared benefits and collective well-being within a community.

societal well-being

Highlights the overall health and happiness of a society.

social welfare

Refers to organized efforts to provide basic needs and support for individuals and families.

community welfare

Specifically refers to the well-being of a local community.

well-being of society

Focuses on the overall state of health, happiness, and prosperity within society.

national prosperity

Emphasizes economic and social success at the national level.

social benefit

Highlights the positive impact on society resulting from a particular action or policy.

collective benefit

Stresses the advantages enjoyed by a group or society as a whole.

public interest

Highlights actions that benefit the public rather than private entities.

FAQs

How is "general welfare" interpreted in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "general welfare" is often interpreted as the government's power to enact laws and regulations that promote the health, safety, morals, and overall well-being of the population. It's a broad concept that allows for a wide range of government actions.

What is the difference between "social welfare" and "general welfare"?

"General welfare" is a broad principle referring to the overall well-being of a society, while "social welfare" typically refers to specific programs and policies designed to provide assistance and support to individuals and families in need.

What are some examples of policies that promote "general welfare"?

Examples of policies aimed at promoting "general welfare" include public education, healthcare initiatives, environmental protection regulations, and infrastructure development.

Can you use "public good" instead of "general welfare"?

Yes, "public good" can often be used as a substitute for "general welfare", particularly when discussing policies or actions that benefit society as a whole.