generally dry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally dry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, climate, or condition that is mostly lacking in moisture or precipitation. Example: "The region is generally dry, making it ideal for desert plants to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Climate descriptions

Material properties

Weather forecasts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Caryopses are generally dry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The conditions are extremely hot and the wickets are generally dry and spin quite a bit.

The Guardian - Sport

The climate is generally dry, with cool springs and frequent sea mists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shooting the movie himself (under the nom de caméra Peter Andrews, Soderberghh keeps the palette generally dry.

The New Yorker

The climate, flora, and fauna of Madura resemble those of eastern Java, but the soil is generally dry and infertile.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Wednesday afternoon brought bright sun, and the forecast was for generally dry weather until at least Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

For future projections, we selected the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) CM2.1 general circulation model, due to warmer temperatures and generally drier growing seasons projected for our study area under the B1 and A2 future emission scenarios (Fig. 2).

Ecological Processes

Germans are generally dry-eyed about the decline in American visibility.

The New York Times

These two compounds are distinguished by the structure of their polymer chains, Kevlar containing para-oriented phenyl rings and Nomex containing meta-oriented rings: Nomex and similar aramids marketed by other companies are generally dry-spun from the solution in which the polymer is prepared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Increasing the depth would mean a new dock altogether, but, because tankers generally dry-dock in the unloaded condition in which their draft can be considerably less than that of a conventional ship, this problem has not so far been a practical one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By extension, northern parts of the United States will generally get wetter, and southern parts generally drier.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather patterns, use "generally dry" to indicate a period or region that experiences infrequent rainfall but be sure to specify if there are exceptions like occasional thunderstorms.

Common error

Avoid using "generally dry" to describe conditions that are completely arid or desert-like. The term implies that dryness is the prevalent condition but does not exclude the possibility of occasional moisture or precipitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally dry" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, indicating a prevailing condition or state of relative dryness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly describes a situation, climate, or condition that is mostly lacking in moisture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

21%

News & Media

44%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally dry" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe conditions where dryness is prevalent but not absolute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing weather patterns, climates, and material properties. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral register and wide applicability. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a dominant state of dryness, allowing for occasional exceptions. Alternatives include "mostly arid" or "predominantly dry", which offer similar nuances. Avoid using it in situations that are completely arid, as the phrase suggests a degree of variability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly arid

Emphasizes aridity as the predominant condition.

predominantly dry

Highlights the dryness as the most significant characteristic.

substantially dry

Emphasizes a significant degree of dryness.

mostly without moisture

Directly states the lack of moisture as a defining feature.

primarily lacking humidity

Highlights the absence of humidity as the main factor.

largely unmoistened

Focuses on the absence of moisture.

typically parched

Suggests a usual state of being very dry.

relatively arid

Indicates a comparison to other, potentially less dry, conditions.

commonly dehydrated

Implies a frequent state of lacking water.

usually desiccated

Indicates a normal condition of being dried out.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally dry" to describe climates, materials, or conditions where dryness is the prevailing state. For example, "The climate in this region is "generally dry", with occasional rainfall during the monsoon season."

What are some alternatives to "generally dry"?

Some alternatives include "mostly arid", "predominantly dry", or "largely unmoistened", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "generally dry" when there is occasional rain?

Yes, "generally dry" implies that dryness is the typical condition, but it doesn't exclude the possibility of occasional rain or moisture. It suggests that these occurrences are infrequent or not significant enough to change the overall characterization.

What is the difference between "generally dry" and "completely dry"?

"Generally dry" suggests that dryness is the predominant condition, but not absolute. "Completely dry", on the other hand, implies a total absence of moisture. For instance, a desert might be "generally dry", but a laboratory sample could be "completely dry".