generally say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a common opinion or belief that is widely held. Example: "Experts generally say that a balanced diet is essential for good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Psychologists and psychiatrists generally say yelling should be avoided.

The New York Times

They don't generally say, "I'm being called to service, please write a foundational story about me".

The New York Times - Magazine

Private equity executives generally say their fees are justified by their market-beating returns.

The New York Times

They generally say they are happy to have more customers for their channels.

The New York Times

Analysts generally say they believe the recovery will endure even in the absence of stimulus programs.

The New York Times

String theorists generally say that is why they need to keep working on it.

The New York Times - Books

I read Prince's alleged words 'who's got rich over it' … We United Statesers generally say 'gotten'.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not illegal, and they generally say they are helping owners preserve legitimate privacy.

The Guardian

Companies that offer the accounts generally say that they are trying to accommodate employees.

The New York Times

But, let's face it, children don't generally say "carpet manufacturer" when asked about their future ambitions.

The Guardian

Caddies generally say they make an average of $120 for carrying two bags 18 holes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally say" to introduce opinions or facts that are widely accepted but may not be universally proven. For example, "Doctors generally say that regular exercise is beneficial for health."

Common error

Avoid using "generally say" when presenting specific research findings or data. Instead, cite the source directly. For example, instead of "Studies generally say that…", write "According to Smith et al. (2024)…"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally say" functions as an introductory expression to present common opinions or widely accepted facts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a prevailing viewpoint rather than a specific, cited claim. It's a verbal phrase used to attribute a statement to a general consensus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally say" is a versatile tool for introducing widely held beliefs or opinions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using "generally say", remember to avoid overgeneralization and consider providing specific sources when available. Alternatives such as "commonly state" or "widely believe" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to consider the context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly state

Implies a widespread declaration or affirmation.

typically assert

Suggests a characteristic or habitual declaration.

widely believe

Focuses on a common acceptance or conviction.

usually express

Highlights the act of conveying an idea in a normal way.

frequently mention

Emphasizes repeated reference or acknowledgement.

often remark

Implies a comment made habitually or repeatedly.

tend to think

Indicates a inclination toward a particular viewpoint.

as a rule suggest

Expresses an opinion as a general principle or guideline.

in general suppose

Presents a common assumption or hypothesis.

ordinarily presume

Suggests a customary or usual assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally say" to introduce a commonly held belief or opinion. For example, "Experts "generally say" that a balanced diet is important."

What are some alternatives to "generally say"?

Alternatives include phrases like "commonly state", "typically assert", or "widely believe" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "generally say" or "usually say"?

Both "generally say" and "usually say" are correct, but "generally say" implies a broader consensus, while "usually say" suggests a more typical or habitual statement. Choose the one that best fits the context.

When should I avoid using "generally say"?

Avoid using "generally say" when you need to cite a specific source or present concrete data. In such cases, it's better to provide a direct reference rather than a general statement.