generally said

USAGE SUMMARY

"generally said" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to state that something is commonly or often said, or is a popular opinion. For example, "It is generally said that practice makes perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His tertiary qualification was unusual for a general duties officer in the pre-war Air Force, whose pilots were generally said to have "valued little beyond flying ability".

Wikipedia

"It's the resurgence of Brooklyn generally," said Mr. Reed.

The New York Times

But Garagiola, also speaking generally, said trade talks had intensified.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Bolding, speaking generally, said his conclusion was scientifically defensible.

The New York Times

Historians have generally said that Turkey's claims are not credible.

The New York Times

- Although it's generally said you must locate your own voice, I have never found this necessary.

Independent

Those interviewed generally said any reductions were primarily a response to economic forces.

The New York Times

Able-bodied athletes are generally said to be relaxed about competing against him.

Independent

Those who volunteered without being required generally said they were likely to vote and would volunteer.

The New York Times

Throughout 2008, Republican candidates generally said that the United States must remain the world's preeminent power.

The New York Times

Analysts generally said they expected Amgen to be able to satisfy the F.D.A.'s requirements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally said" to introduce a common belief or widespread opinion, especially when the source is not explicitly identified. This is useful in providing background information or setting the stage for further analysis.

Common error

Avoid overusing "generally said" if a more direct and active voice would strengthen your writing. Consider specifying who generally says something for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally said" functions as an introductory device to present information that is widely accepted or commonly expressed, often without attributing it to a specific source. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generally said" is a versatile phrase used to introduce widely accepted opinions or information without specific attribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and common in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While effective for presenting shared understandings, writers should consider specifying the source for greater clarity and impact. Alternatives include "commonly stated" and "widely believed", depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly stated

Focuses more on the act of stating a common fact.

widely believed

Emphasizes the belief aspect more than the saying.

typically expressed

Highlights the typical manner in which something is communicated.

frequently remarked

Suggests repeated observations on a topic.

universally acknowledged

Implies a broad consensus and acceptance.

often mentioned

Focuses on the frequency of the statement.

ordinarily expressed

Emphasizes the usual or normal way of saying something.

conventionally understood

Highlights the traditional or accepted understanding.

customarily reported

Suggests the statement is a standard reporting practice.

regularly affirmed

Emphasizes the consistency of the confirmation or assertion.

FAQs

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

Use "generally said" to introduce an idea or opinion that is widely accepted or commonly expressed. For example, "It is generally said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

What are some alternatives to "generally said"?

You can use alternatives like "commonly stated", "widely believed", or "typically expressed" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "generally said" or specify who said it?

Specifying who said it provides more credibility and clarity. "Generally said" is useful when the source is unknown or when emphasizing the widespread nature of the opinion.

What's the difference between "generally said" and "commonly known"?

"Generally said" implies that something is frequently expressed, while "commonly known" implies that something is widely understood or recognized as a fact. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation you are describing.