generally asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are making a broad or non-specific inquiry about something. Example: "I was generally asking if anyone had seen my keys around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

(By contrast, he observed, Robbins — though generally asking a lower-energy delivery — usually asked a more hands-on approach in partnering).

The New York Times - Arts

The credit agencies say that they are generally asking for higher fees because of the smaller contributions from credit card companies and that their fees are strictly voluntary.

The New York Times

These bills come due at the beginning of each semester and are subject to late fees if not paid on time, though generally asking for amnesty on late payments will get the late-fees waived (though not the facilities and student activities fees themselves).

Columbia University

Early philosophical study of women by feminist scholars examined the limitations that hampered their own lives, and the lives of women generally, asking whether these resulted from alterable social arrangement or immutable biological destiny.

SEP

"These are the people who are generally asking kids to get back on track, making sure that they're doing what they need to, and removing barriers that potentially prevent students from learning or accessing the curriculum," she said.

Huffington Post

What those wrongdoings were I am not sure, but it seemed to me that Oswal was speaking generally, asking God for pardon in the way Jains seek forgiveness during the annual Day of Forgiveness (Ksamavani) for any harm caused, inadvertently or not, to others.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The general partner also generally asks for a profit participation of 20% after the partnership surpasses a "hurdle rate" of from 5% to 8% return on its investments.

Forbes

I generally ask why people want to do it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These proselytizers do not, generally, ask for much.

The New York Times

Ballerinas are generally asked to depict purity, innocence, first love.

The New York Times - Arts

When I ask why something is important, I generally ask more than once.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generally asking", ensure the context provides sufficient detail about the subject of the inquiry, as it implies a non-specific or broad question.

Common error

Avoid using "generally asking" when a more specific question is needed. Overusing it can make your communication vague and less effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally asking" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb, indicating the manner in which a request or inquiry is made. This suggests a non-specific or broad line of questioning. This is supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generally asking" is a phrase used to describe a broad or non-specific inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears in a range of contexts, most commonly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While a useful expression, it's important to ensure the context is appropriate, as overusing it can lead to vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "usually asking" or "typically asking" for nuanced variations. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively incorporate the phrase "generally asking" into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usually asking

Indicates a common practice of asking, similar to "generally asking".

typically asking

Emphasizes a standard or expected pattern of asking.

ordinarily asking

Highlights the customary or normal aspect of asking.

commonly asking

Focuses on the widespread nature of the inquiry.

mostly asking

Suggests that asking is the predominant action.

frequently asking

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the inquiry.

widely asking

Implies that the inquiry is prevalent among a large group.

regularly asking

Focuses on the consistent pattern of the inquiry.

customarily asking

Highlights that the inquiry is based on established practice.

broadly inquiring

Suggests a less direct or specific approach to asking.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally asking" to introduce a broad inquiry. For example: "I was generally asking about the project timeline, not specific milestones."

What's a good alternative to "generally asking"?

Alternatives include "usually asking", "typically asking", or "broadly inquiring" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific or "generally asking"?

Specificity depends on the situation. If you need precise information, a direct question is best. "Generally asking" is suitable for exploratory inquiries.

What's the difference between "generally asking" and "specifically asking"?

"Generally asking" implies a broad, non-detailed inquiry, while "specifically asking" means you are seeking precise, detailed information.