generally in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is mostly consistent or aligned with a particular standard, expectation, or trend. Example: "The results of the survey are generally in line with our previous findings, suggesting that our approach is effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

CNN was more generally in line with the average.

The New York Times

The price was generally in line with analysts' expectations.

The New York Times

The results were generally in line with analysts' expectations.

The New York Times

These results are generally in line with previous validated studies.

Science of The Total Environment

Those figures were generally in line with analysts' expectations.

The New York Times

The numbers were generally in line with earlier predictions.

The New York Times

The financial markets had little reaction to the report, which was generally in line with expectations.

The New York Times

Private economists said the Administration's conclusions were generally in line with their own.

The New York Times

The patterns of raising standards-setting capabilities are generally in line with traditional technological catch-up.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

The prices of e-books with pictures be generally in line with print prices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Bear Stearns expects generally in-line results from earnings reports from electronics-manufacturing-services (EMS) companies.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data or analysis results, use "generally in line" to compare different data sets.

Common error

Avoid using "generally in line" when describing situations with significant discrepancies. Instead, opt for phrases that acknowledge the differences more explicitly, such as "partially aligned" or "somewhat consistent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally in line" functions as an adverbial modifier to describe the degree to which something conforms to a standard, expectation, or trend. Ludwig confirms this by providing many examples where the phrase modifies statements about results, expectations, and policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generally in line" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something mostly aligns with a given expectation or standard. Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating its common usage across news, science, and business contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and indicates partial agreement, which is crucial for avoiding overstatements. Remember to use it when accuracy is key and deviations are present, and consider alternatives like "mostly consistent" or "largely in agreement" for nuanced expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly consistent

Emphasizes that something is consistent in the majority of cases, but not necessarily in every single instance.

largely in agreement

Highlights the aspect of agreement more strongly, suggesting a consensus on most points.

broadly consistent

Similar to "mostly consistent", but suggests a wider scope or application of the consistency.

mainly conforming

Focuses on the act of conforming to a standard or expectation.

typically aligned

Indicates that something is usually aligned with a particular direction or goal.

in general accordance

A more formal way of saying "generally in line", suitable for official documents or reports.

for the most part consistent

Similar to "mostly consistent", but adds a sense of qualification or limitation.

on the whole conforming

Indicates a general conformity when considering all aspects.

by and large agreeing

Suggests that any disagreements are minor compared to the overall agreement.

in rough alignment

Implies that the alignment is approximate rather than exact.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally in line" to indicate that something is mostly consistent or aligned with expectations. For example: "The company's performance is "generally in line" with analysts' forecasts."

What are some alternatives to "generally in line"?

Alternatives to "generally in line" include "mostly consistent", "largely in agreement", or "broadly consistent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "generally in line" in formal writing?

Yes, "generally in line" is appropriate for formal writing. However, for even more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in general accordance".

What's the difference between "generally in line" and "perfectly in line"?

"Generally in line" indicates that something is mostly consistent but may have some deviations, while "perfectly in line" suggests complete and exact agreement or alignment. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of consistency.