generally explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide a broad or overall description of a topic without going into specific details. Example: "Can you generally explain the process of photosynthesis in plants?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

We generally explain exceptions retrospectively rather than describe the patterns, rules and limitations precisely enough to test hypotheses.

Nature

Such religions generally explain the incarceration of the soul in the body in terms that imply the intrinsic evil of physical matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Overall, the data suggest that the buzzsaw remains a valid mechanism to generally explain landscape evolution in mountain regions, but its signature is significantly weakened in mountain basins that experience both volcanic construction and climatic conditions favouring dynamic glaciation.

Geomorphology

Results indicate a spatial measure of urbanisation can generally explain differences in the hydrological response between rural and urban catchments but is insufficient to explain differences between urban catchments along an urban gradient.

Journal of Hydrology

Since then gender quotas for boards have been imposed in Belgium, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain (though with less severe sanctions: non-complying firms must generally explain in their annual reports why they fell short and what they plan to do about it).

The Economist

They then propose that such connections quite generally explain the supervenience of the moral.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Third, official noon briefings, generally explaining what the United Nations is doing to make it right.

The New York Times

Serbs generally explained the violence as a night of Serbs being under siege from attacking Albanians.

The New York Times

Second, press conferences of staff members or visitors generally explaining what is wrong with the world.

The New York Times

A hierarchy of soil forming factors generally explains most of the variability observed at landscape scale.

Perspectives for Agroecosystem Management Balancing Environmental and Socio-Economic Demands

In 1999 and 2000, needle mass generally explained the variation in sapflow best.

Forest Ecology and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally explain" when providing a broad overview or common understanding of a topic, rather than delving into intricate details. This is particularly useful in introductory sections or when addressing a general audience.

Common error

Avoid using "generally explain" as a substitute for providing concrete evidence or specific details. While it's useful for overviews, ensure you follow up with supporting information to avoid oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally explain" functions as a verb phrase, where "generally" modifies the verb "explain". It indicates the manner in which an explanation is provided, suggesting a broad or common understanding rather than a detailed account. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generally explain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for providing a broad or common understanding of a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, remember to balance its use with specific details to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "broadly explain" or "typically explain" offer similar meanings. Use "generally explain" effectively to introduce concepts, summarize information, and cater to general audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broadly explain

Replaces "generally" with "broadly", emphasizing the wide scope of the explanation.

typically explain

Substitutes "generally" with "typically", focusing on the usual or common way of explaining.

usually explain

Replaces "generally" with "usually", indicating the common practice of explaining.

commonly explain

Substitutes "generally" with "commonly", highlighting the frequent occurrence of the explanation.

generally clarify

Replaces "explain" with "clarify", focusing on making something easier to understand in a general sense.

generally describe

Replaces "explain" with "describe", focusing on providing a general account of something.

offer a general explanation

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the act of providing a general explanation.

provide a broad overview

Shifts from "explain" to "overview", indicating a summary or general survey is given.

give a general account

Replaces "explain" with "give an account", focusing on providing a general description or narrative.

summarize the main points

Instead of explaining, it focuses on condensing information to the key elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally explain" when you want to provide a broad or common description of a topic without getting into specifics. For example, "Automotive engineers "automotive engineers" generally explain a car's components and systems by way of physics."

What are some alternatives to "generally explain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "broadly explain", "typically explain", or "usually explain" depending on the context.

Is it better to "generally explain" or provide a detailed explanation?

It depends on the context. "Generally explain" is suitable for providing an overview or summary, while a detailed explanation is necessary when specifics are required. It's important to choose the level of detail appropriate for your audience and purpose.

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

"Generally explain" means providing a broad, common understanding, while "specifically explain" means providing a detailed, precise account. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of detail.