generally well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is mostly positive or satisfactory, often in a general context. Example: "The project is generally well received by the stakeholders, indicating that we are on the right track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Generally well resourced.

The New Yorker

Members are generally well travelled.

The Guardian

THE CROWD Vivacious and generally well heeled.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, he was generally well liked.

The New Yorker

The band was generally well received.

The New Yorker

The app is generally well designed.

The New York Times

I found the kudos generally well deserved.

The New York Times - Tech

The other principals were generally well matched.

The New York Times - Arts

She has been generally well received.

The New York Times

The announcement, however, was generally well received.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was generally well received by critics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally well" to provide a balanced assessment, acknowledging both positive and potentially less positive aspects of a subject. For example, "The software is generally well-designed, though some users have reported minor bugs."

Common error

Avoid using "generally well" when a more specific and detailed evaluation is possible. Instead of saying "The presentation was generally well received", consider specifying which aspects were successful and which could be improved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally well" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying adjectives or verbs to indicate the degree or extent to which something is in a positive or satisfactory state. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts like "generally well received" or "generally well tolerated."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "generally well" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a state that is mostly positive or satisfactory. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki. When using "generally well", remember that while it's a versatile phrase, be mindful of situations that demand greater precision. Alternatives such as "mostly satisfactory" or "largely positive" can be considered depending on the nuance required. As a best practice, use "generally well" when you want to communicate a balanced assessment, acknowledging positive aspects alongside potential shortcomings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly satisfactory

Focuses more on satisfaction than overall condition.

largely positive

Emphasizes the positive aspects more strongly.

quite good

Indicates a slightly higher level of quality.

reasonably good

Implies a more moderate level of goodness.

fairly well

Similar, but can suggest a more passive or less enthusiastic assessment.

on the whole good

Highlights the overall positive nature, considering potential minor issues.

for the most part good

Similar to "on the whole good", stressing the majority aspect.

predominantly positive

Highlights the positive aspect's dominance.

mostly in good condition

Focuses specifically on physical condition.

typically acceptable

Highlights the usual standard of acceptability.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally well" to describe something that is mostly positive or satisfactory. For example, "The new policy was "generally well received" by the employees."

What are some alternatives to saying "generally well"?

Alternatives include "mostly satisfactory", "largely positive", or "fairly well", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "generally well", or are there situations where it's too vague?

While "generally well" is acceptable, it can be too vague in situations requiring specific details. In those cases, provide a more precise assessment instead.

What is the difference between "generally well" and "very well"?

"Generally well" implies a mostly positive state, while "very well" suggests a higher degree of success or quality. "The project was "generally well managed"" suggests it was mostly successful, but perhaps with some minor issues. "The project was "very well managed"" indicates a high level of success without significant issues.