generally true

USAGE SUMMARY

"generally true" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when making a general statement about something that is generally accepted as true. For example, "It is generally true that good grades in school lead to better job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That is generally true.

The New York Times - Sports

This is generally true.

The Economist

However, that's generally true.

The New Yorker

"And it's generally true.

The New York Times

That is generally true for most individual investors.

The New York Times

The same is generally true of South Asia and Africa.

The New York Times

(The same is generally true of digital booths).

The New York Times - Arts

The same is generally true of Mr. Talabani.

The New York Times

At the time, this was only generally true.

The New Yorker

This pattern is generally true of Western democracies.

The New York Times

This is generally true of the Fi in equation (93).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally true" when you want to convey that a statement holds true in most situations but may have exceptions. Be prepared to qualify the statement if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "generally true" as a substitute for rigorous evidence. Always ensure your statement is supported by facts or observations before presenting it as a general truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally true" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a statement, indicating its validity in most, but not necessarily all, cases. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express that something holds true under normal circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally true" is a common and useful expression for indicating that a statement is valid in most circumstances but may have exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Analysis of various sources shows its frequent usage in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the statement is supported by evidence and be prepared to qualify it if necessary. Avoid overgeneralization and acknowledge potential limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usually accurate

Emphasizes the typical correctness of something, differing slightly in focus from "generally true".

mostly correct

Highlights the predominant correctness while acknowledging potential exceptions, unlike the broader implication of "generally true".

largely valid

Indicates that something is mainly true, differing in formality and emphasis from "generally true".

typically the case

Focuses on what usually happens or is observed, varying the sentence structure from "generally true".

ordinarily correct

Highlights the normal or usual state of being true, providing a more formal alternative to "generally true".

commonly accepted

Shifts the focus to widespread belief or agreement, whereas "generally true" focuses on factual accuracy.

broadly accurate

Suggests a general level of accuracy without necessarily implying universal truth, subtly altering the scope of "generally true".

more often than not true

Emphasizes the frequency of truthfulness, providing a more descriptive alternative to "generally true".

valid in most cases

Highlights the conditionality of truth, where it holds true across the majority of situations, offering a nuanced version of "generally true".

true for the most part

Indicates a high degree of truthfulness with minor exceptions, offering a less formal and more conversational version of "generally true".

FAQs

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

You can use "generally true" to indicate that a statement is correct in most cases, but not necessarily always. For example, "It is "generally true" that studying hard leads to better grades."

What are some alternatives to saying "generally true"?

Alternatives include "usually accurate", "mostly correct", or "largely valid" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "generally true" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure that the statement is adequately supported and that any exceptions are acknowledged.

What's the difference between "generally true" and "always true"?

"Generally true" indicates that something is true in most cases but may have exceptions, while "always true" means it is true without exception. For example, it's "generally true" that exercise is beneficial, but it's not "always true" for everyone due to individual health conditions.