generally good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally good" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase when you want to express that something is mostly good, but perhaps with some flaws. For example, you could say "The concert was generally good, though some of the performers were a bit off-key."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Generally good service.

The New York Times

Health conditions are generally good.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The proposals are generally good.

The New York Times

Their health was generally good.

The Economist

Her health was generally good.

The New York Times

Muslims are generally good, law-abiding citizens.

The Economist

Cattle-wranglers are generally good guys.

The Economist

This is a generally good proposal.

The New York Times

Sometimes hovering, but generally good, homey service.

The New York Times

Public transport is generally good across Manchester.

The Guardian

Ubuntu is generally good at recognising hardware.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally good" to convey a positive sentiment that acknowledges potential imperfections or areas for improvement. It avoids overstatement while still expressing approval.

Common error

Avoid using "generally good" as a vague, catch-all phrase. Support your assessment with specific details to make your evaluation more credible and informative. For instance, instead of saying "The service was generally good", specify what aspects of the service were satisfactory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally good" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun. It indicates that something possesses mostly positive qualities, though not necessarily perfect or exceptional. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, as the phrase frequently appears to qualify nouns in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "generally good" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase that indicates a mostly positive assessment while acknowledging potential flaws. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general media. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details to support your assessment and avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "mostly positive" or "largely satisfactory" can be used to fine-tune the nuance of your evaluation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "generally good" to convey your intended meaning with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the whole positive

Indicates that when considering all aspects, the overall impression is favorable.

mostly positive

Indicates a predominantly favorable assessment, similar to "generally good", but can emphasize the presence of minor drawbacks.

for the most part fine

Implies that most elements are in good order, but allows for some exceptions.

largely satisfactory

Implies that something meets the required standards to a great extent, with a focus on fulfillment of expectations.

pretty decent overall

Signifies a good, but not outstanding, quality when considering all features.

reasonably acceptable

Suggests a level of adequacy that is considered fair or tolerable.

mostly adequate

Indicates that something is sufficient for its purpose, though it may not excel.

fairly commendable

Highlights the praiseworthy aspects of something, though may not be exceptional.

appreciably sound

Emphasizes the robustness and reliability of something.

comfortably adequate

Suggests that something is more than just barely sufficient, providing a comfortable margin.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally good" to describe something that is mostly positive but may have some minor flaws. For instance, "The food at the restaurant was "generally good", though the service was a bit slow."

What are some alternatives to "generally good"?

You can use alternatives like "mostly positive", "largely satisfactory", or "fairly commendable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "generally good" or "very good"?

"Generally good" implies that something is good overall but not necessarily excellent. "Very good" suggests a higher degree of quality. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your assessment.

What's the difference between "generally good" and "good"?

"Good" is a straightforward positive assessment. "Generally good" indicates that the positive assessment is mostly, but not entirely, accurate, allowing for some minor issues or exceptions. For example, you might say a movie was "good", or that it was ""generally good" but a little slow-paced".