generally mean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally mean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the typical or average interpretation of a term or concept. Example: "In the context of economics, the term 'inflation' generally means an increase in prices over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it's not clear it is a general solution for the problems faced by what we generally mean by content sites".

The Guardian - Tech

They generally mean business.

The New York Times - Arts

Weekends generally mean competitions.

The New York Times

And by end, they generally mean win.

The New York Times

Lower yields generally mean wines with more character.

The New York Times - Food

People say hello and "how are you" and generally mean it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thirdly, technological advances generally mean that health service inflation is higher than consumer price inflation.

The Guardian

When people talk about being between worlds, they generally mean cultural dislocation of a geopolitical sort.

The New York Times - Arts

Today, we say, "It's great!" and generally mean not much more than "It's supremely enjoyable".

The New Yorker

After all, she gossips with another prosecutor, doesn't signing up to defend a perp generally mean signing up to lose?

The New York Times - Arts

"When we talk about street children, we generally mean boys," said Chris Rose, the co-founder of Street Child United.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a non-specialist audience, use "generally mean" to make complex jargon and concepts easier to digest.

Common error

Avoid using "generally mean" when the meaning is highly context-dependent or subjective. Be sure to specify the context or group to which the generalization applies to avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally mean" functions as a qualifier to indicate the typical or common interpretation of a word, phrase, or concept. As Ludwig AI points out, it helps specify the usual understanding, acknowledging that other interpretations may exist. It is used to provide clarity and context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally mean" is a versatile tool for specifying the typical interpretation of something, acknowledging that other meanings might exist. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's particularly useful in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, for making complex topics accessible. While "generally mean" is suitable for various writing styles, caution should be exercised when the meaning is highly context-dependent, to avoid overgeneralization. Using phrases like "typically imply" or "usually signify" can be a good fit if you are looking for alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally imply

Similar, but emphasizes the indirect suggestion.

normally imply

Highlights the usual suggestion or inference.

typically imply

Focuses on the typical suggestion or inference rather than the direct meaning.

usually signify

Emphasizes the act of representing or denoting something in a customary manner.

typically represent

Focuses on how something is typically portrayed or symbolized.

usually indicate

Similar, but emphasizes the sign or signal aspect.

commonly suggest

Highlights a frequent association or implication.

commonly denote

Highlights the commonly accepted definition or denotation.

ordinarily entail

Stresses the usual consequence or requirement.

broadly indicate

Focuses on a general, rather than specific, sign or signal.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally mean" to explain the common or typical interpretation of something. For example, "In economics, 'recession' "generally mean" a period of economic decline".

What are some alternatives to "generally mean"?

Alternatives include "typically imply", "usually signify", or "commonly suggest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "generally mean" and "always mean"?

"Generally mean" indicates a common but not universal interpretation, while "always mean" implies a consistent and invariable meaning. Therefore, be cautious about using "always mean".

When is it appropriate to use "generally mean" in academic writing?

It's appropriate when you need to define a term or concept for a broader audience, acknowledging that there might be more specific or nuanced interpretations within the field. For example: "In philosophy, 'ethics' "generally mean" the study of moral principles".