generalizable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generalizable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic or technical contexts to describe findings or conclusions that can be applied to broader situations or populations beyond the specific cases studied. Example: "The results of this experiment are generalizable to other similar populations, indicating a wider applicability of the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

One simply must assess specific proposals about specific mental states and processes in order to see how plausible they are, both as an account of human mentality and as a possibly generalizable approach to systems such as computers and the nation of China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Customs can develop from a generalizable treaty provision, and a binding customary rule and a multilateral treaty provision on the same subject matter (e.g., the right to self-defense) may exist at the same time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For this to occur, a resolution must contain generalizable provisions and attract substantial support from countries with diverse ideological, cultural, and political perspectives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's why the 2008 study found that hedge funds tended to target "issues that are generalizable to all firms … rather than issues that are specific to one" company, and that this was sensible because many hedge funds "are not experts in the specific business of their target firms".

The New Yorker

In all sorts of critical ways, however, Google's success isn't generalizable.

The New Yorker

That's the logic under which Google's success is generalizable.

The New Yorker

"The results are generalizable to other products that have increasing returns to scale and where we think there's differentiated demand across income types," she said.

The New York Times

Whether this assertion is generalizable to the entire population, I don't know.

The New York Times

The study, published last week in The Journal of Adolescent Health, used a sample that fell below national averages for calcium intake and physical activity, so the results may not be generalizable to wider populations.

The New York Times

"It's worth trying to replicate these findings to see if they're generalizable to women, smokers and others".

The New York Times

But, he added, it turned out not to be generalizable.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generalizable", clearly define the population or context to which the results can be applied to avoid overstating the scope of your findings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that findings are "generalizable" to all populations or situations without sufficient evidence. Always acknowledge the limitations of your data and the potential for variations in other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The term "generalizable" primarily functions as an adjective. It describes the capacity of a principle or finding to be extended or applied to a broader context or population. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly in scholarly and technical discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generalizable" is an adjective used to describe the extent to which research findings or principles can be applied to broader contexts or populations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in academic, scientific, and news-related discourse. When using this term, be aware of its formal tone, and clearly define the scope of applicability. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing without sufficient evidence. Related terms include "widely applicable" and "transferable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely applicable

Emphasizes broad applicability rather than the process of generalization.

extensible

Focuses on the ability to add to or expand upon something.

transferable

Highlights the ability to move or adapt something from one context to another.

scalable

Specifically refers to the ability to increase in size or scope.

universally applicable

Suggests applicability to all cases, which is a stronger claim than "generalizable".

broadly relevant

Focuses on the relevance of something across different situations.

widely accepted

Refers to acceptance rather than applicability, implying consensus.

commonly held

Similar to "widely accepted", but emphasizes belief rather than applicability.

broad-spectrum

Implies a wide range of effectiveness, often used in scientific contexts.

generally true

Indicates a statement is typically correct but allows for exceptions.

FAQs

How is the word "generalizable" typically used?

The word "generalizable" is typically used in research and academic contexts to describe the extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to other populations or situations. For instance, one might ask if results obtained from a specific sample are "widely applicable" or "transferable" to other groups.

What are some synonyms for "generalizable"?

Synonyms for "generalizable" include "applicable", "extensible", "transferable", and "scalable". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What factors affect whether research findings are "generalizable"?

Several factors influence whether research findings are "generalizable", including sample size, the representativeness of the sample, and the rigor of the study design. If the sample is not representative of the larger population, the findings may not be "widely applicable".

Is it always desirable for research findings to be "generalizable"?

While "generalizable" findings are often valued, the importance depends on the research goals. Some studies focus on specific populations or situations, and "generalizable" findings may not be the primary objective. In these cases, in-depth insights into a particular context might be more valuable than "universally applicable" results.