generally agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally agree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a consensus or common understanding among a group regarding a particular topic or opinion. Example: "After discussing the various options, we generally agree that pursuing the new marketing strategy is the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And neighbors generally agree.

The New York Times

Other critics generally agree.

The Guardian - Books

Somewhat surprisingly, state officials generally agree.

The New York Times

Voters do generally agree on a few standards.

The New York Times

Even critics generally agree with that self-assessment.

The Guardian

But they generally agree that the warships were fast.

The New York Times - Science

Both sides generally agree on the effects of this process.

The New York Times

Those who saw his administration up close generally agree.

The New York Times

Historians generally agree that there were three, not two.

The New York Times

Historians still generally agree that tuberculosis killed Bolívar.

The New York Times

They also, generally, agree that things are much better now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally agree" to indicate a consensus without implying complete unanimity. It acknowledges that while most people concur, there might be some dissenting opinions or minor disagreements.

Common error

Avoid using "generally agree" when there's significant disagreement or controversy. If opinions are sharply divided, a more nuanced phrase like "many believe" or "some argue" would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally agree" functions as a qualifying verb phrase, indicating a state of partial or widespread consensus. It modifies a verb, adding nuance about the extent of agreement. Ludwig examples show its use across various subject matters, from scientific findings to historical interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally agree" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a consensus or shared understanding among a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, including News & Media and scientific writing. While it indicates a substantial agreement, it acknowledges the possibility of dissenting opinions or minor variations. Remember, using more specific alternatives like "broadly concur" can add nuance. "Generally agree" is a robust way to present information, signaling collective support without overstating the unanimity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broadly concur

Emphasizes a wide agreement on the main points, though minor details might differ.

largely consent

Highlights that most people agree, but there might be some dissenters.

prevailingly agree

Stresses that agreement is more prevalent than disagreement.

mainly accept

Indicates the acceptance is the main sentiment, but not unanimous.

mostly accept

Suggests a general acceptance of an idea or proposal, perhaps without strong enthusiasm.

widely acknowledge

Indicates that something is commonly recognized as true or valid.

commonly understand

Focuses on a shared understanding rather than explicit agreement.

prevailing opinion

Points to the dominant viewpoint on a subject.

collective agreement

Emphasizes that the agreement is among all members of a group.

shared perspective

Highlights a common viewpoint resulting from similar experiences or information.

FAQs

What does "generally agree" mean?

The phrase "generally agree" means that most people or sources concur on a particular point, even if there isn't complete unanimity.

How can I use "generally agree" in a sentence?

You might say, "Experts "generally agree" that climate change is a serious threat" to indicate a consensus among experts.

What are some alternatives to "generally agree"?

Alternatives include phrases like "mostly concur", "largely in agreement", or "widely acknowledge", depending on the nuance you want to convey. See also: "broadly concur".

When is it inappropriate to use "generally agree"?

It's best to avoid "generally agree" when opinions are strongly divided or when the agreement is only superficial. In such cases, phrases like "some believe" or "views are mixed" might be more suitable.