generic wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generic wording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to language that is non-specific or broadly applicable, often lacking in detail or personalization. Example: "The report was filled with generic wording that failed to address the specific concerns of the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At Okawa, the deputy headmaster, Toshiya Ishizaka, had been responsible for revising the Education Plan, but he had left unchanged the generic wording of the template.

The Guardian

I agree with the authors campaigning for change in the curriculum that reading and communicating more is the key to embedding a varied and controlled vocabulary, and that completely banning generic wording from the classroom is not the way to go.

The Guardian

So the sort of generic wording that Snap, for example, is currently showing to iPhone X users when it asks them for camera permissions (see screengrabs below) is unlikely to meet Europe's incoming standard on consent next year — since it's not even specifying what it's using the camera access for.

TechCrunch

Avoid generic wording at all costs.

Huffington Post

The interviewees confirmed that the generic wording of the items worked as intended, as the frame of reference, for example of the imprecise expression "other staff", was sufficiently limited within the concrete situations that were to be evaluated.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Thus the doctrine is generally interpreted by courts as not applying if the generic word is not a word from a foreign language, but one from an English-speaking foreign country.

Wikipedia

Russian has no generic word for "blue".

The Guardian - Books

The generic word "Indian" by itself provided no key.

The Guardian - Books

The language is bare, almost generic; words and images repeat from song to song.

The New Yorker

Varieties include the duff (also a generic word for such drums), bandīr, ṭār, and dāʾirah.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That could smooth the way for Web addresses that end in city names, brands and generic words.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "generic wording" with more specific and descriptive alternatives that cater to your target audience.

Common error

Avoid using "generic wording" in contracts or legal documents where precision is crucial. Always use specific and unambiguous language to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generic wording" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "generic" acts as an adjective modifying "wording". According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct, denoting language lacking specificity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generic wording" refers to language that is non-specific and lacks detail. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively rare. It's often employed critically to point out a lack of precision in communication, particularly in news and scientific contexts. To improve writing, avoid "generic wording" by using more specific and descriptive alternatives tailored to your audience and situation. Remember, while it might serve a purpose in broad introductions, specificity is key for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-specific language

Directly points out the absence of specific details in the language.

vague phrasing

Focuses on the lack of clarity or precision in the phrasing.

conventional phrasing

Emphasizes the traditional and customary nature of the phrasing.

broad language

Focuses on the expansive and inclusive nature of the language.

boilerplate language

Emphasizes the standardized and often unoriginal nature of the language used.

general terminology

Highlights the use of broad, non-technical terms.

standardized terms

Highlights the use of terms that are widely accepted and commonly used.

imprecise formulation

Stresses the lack of exactness in how something is expressed.

formulaic expression

Indicates that the expression follows a set pattern or formula.

stock phrases

Highlights the use of overused and unoriginal phrases.

FAQs

What does "generic wording" mean?

The term "generic wording" refers to language that is non-specific, lacking detail, or broadly applicable. It often lacks the precision needed for specific situations.

How can I avoid using "generic wording" in my writing?

To avoid "generic wording", focus on providing specific details, concrete examples, and tailored language relevant to your audience and context. Consider using alternatives like "vague phrasing" or "boilerplate language".

What are some alternatives to "generic wording"?

You can use alternatives such as "non-specific language", "imprecise formulation", or "standardized terms" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always bad to use "generic wording"?

While "generic wording" is generally discouraged in situations requiring precision, it can be acceptable in introductory or explanatory contexts where broad understanding is the primary goal. However, always strive for clarity and specificity when possible.