generally match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing similarities or alignments between two or more items, concepts, or ideas in a broad sense. Example: "The results of the study generally match the previous research findings, indicating a consistent trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

In any case, since the spectral response of I, as synthesized from the MS bands, does not generally match the radiometry of the histogram-matched PAN [50], when the fusion result is displayed in color composition, large spectral distortion may appear as color changes.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

To minimize risk, the maturity and yield of assets and liabilities should generally match.

The New York Times

Those claims generally match a statement United sent to CNN on Tuesday.

Independent

In the US, the conditions for bail generally match the seriousness and the credibility of the case presented by prosecutors.

Independent

So North hit their straps last week, they play well at Etihad and they also generally match up well against this week's opponents Hawthorn.

The Guardian - Sport

The Big Three closely monitor each other's deal making and generally match each other when one of the others steps up the level of deals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The Communist Party, meanwhile, has picked up small gains, generally matching or beating United Russia's rating.

The New York Times

His performance — angry, articulate and sometimes comical — generally matched his attire.

The New York Times

Their findings generally matched the results of tests made in the early 1990's on Neanderthal fossils in France and Belgium.

The New York Times - Science

Buying a converter is the most economical option, but the quality of the service generally matches the price tag: low.

The New York Times - Tech

The price cuts generally matched those made earlier in the week by the Intel Corporation, the industry leader.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more precise term like "exactly match" or a weaker term like "vaguely resemble" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "generally match" when there are significant discrepancies or differences between the items being compared. This can mislead the reader and weaken the credibility of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally match" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a description of its state or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, appearing frequently across diverse written works, for example, "Those claims generally match a statement United sent to CNN on Tuesday."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally match" is a versatile expression used to convey a substantial degree of similarity between two or more items, ideas, or sets of data. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in different types of writing. While it signifies agreement, it also acknowledges that there might be some differences or deviations. Its prevalence in scientific and news sources suggests a neutral tone suitable for objective reporting and analysis. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to specify the aspects that "generally match" and address any notable exceptions. Alternatives like "broadly align" or "mostly correspond" can provide nuanced options depending on the desired level of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly correspond

This phrase emphasizes the similarity between elements, focusing on their comparable aspects.

typically align

This highlights the usual or expected correspondence between items.

broadly align

This alternative suggests a less precise agreement, implying a match in a general sense rather than in specific details.

roughly correspond

This implies an approximate, rather than exact, matching.

commonly agree

This suggests a frequent but not necessarily universal concurrence.

usually coincide

This highlights that two things happen at the same time or in the same way, but not always.

generally concur

This suggests agreement or alignment in opinion or findings.

tend to correlate

This indicates a statistical relationship where changes in one element are associated with changes in another, but not always a direct match.

largely harmonize

This implies a fitting together well in terms of composition or design.

often resemble

This focuses on the visual or superficial similarities between two or more elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally match" to indicate that two or more things are similar or in agreement to a considerable extent, even if there are some differences. For example, "The survey results "generally match" the findings of previous studies".

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

Alternatives to "generally match" include phrases such as "broadly align", "mostly correspond", or "typically align". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "generally match" or "closely match"?

The choice between "generally match" and "closely match" depends on the degree of similarity. "Generally match" indicates a broad agreement with some deviations, while "closely match" suggests a higher degree of similarity and fewer discrepancies.

What is the difference between "generally match" and "roughly correspond"?

"Generally match" implies a higher degree of agreement than "roughly correspond". While both indicate similarity, "roughly correspond" suggests a more approximate or inexact relationship, whereas "generally match" indicates a more substantial alignment. Consider using "roughly correspond" when precision is not required or the match is not exact.