getting a general idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting a general idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey that you are trying to understand the overall concept or main points of something without going into detailed specifics. Example: "After reading the summary, I feel like I'm getting a general idea of the book's themes and characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Maps in OS X means that Apple can now serve up directions and estimated travel time for appointments in Calendar, for example which is handy even if the service is still sometimes less accurate than its more mature counterpart from Google, if at least for getting a general idea of travel time required.

TechCrunch

After searching Wikipedia and getting a general idea about the subject, seek other means of knowledge, usually from sites specializing in your area of study.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm just trying to get a general idea of what's on the market".

The New York Times

To get a general idea, you can watch all the semi-finalists here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Divide $51.2 million by 91, and you get a general idea of the Times' daily digital ad revenue, on average: $562,637.36.

The Washington Post

I can get a general idea right there if it is something I am interested in or not".

The New York Times - Travel

· Use the financial aid calculator on their website to get a general idea of the aid package you might receive if you are admitted.

The New York Times

If you remember to reset the statistics every month, you can also get a general idea of your cellular data use without logging into your account.

The New York Times

Have fun!!! * play with ChucK! open up a few programs (try using TextEdit on OS X, or WordPad on Windows) and get a general idea of the code.

Princeton University

A safe strategy is to skim through the book before lecture to get a general idea of what is to be covered, then study it carefully afterwards.

Princeton University

play with ChucK! open up a few programs (try using TextEdit on OS X, or WordPad on Windows) and get a general idea of the code.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting a general idea" to introduce a topic before diving into the details. This helps frame the information for your audience.

Common error

Avoid stopping at just "getting a general idea" without seeking deeper understanding or providing supporting details. Ensure you progress beyond the initial overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting a general idea" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initial stage of understanding a concept or topic. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it describes the process of forming a preliminary notion before delving into specifics. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting a general idea" is a common and acceptable phrase used to describe the initial process of understanding a topic. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While grammatically sound, it's important to build upon this initial understanding with more specific details. Ludwig also offers alternative phrases such as "gaining a basic understanding" or "obtaining an overview", which may be more appropriate depending on the context and desired level of formality. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining a basic understanding

Focuses more on the acquisition of knowledge rather than the initial glimpse.

acquiring a broad sense

Focuses on the breadth of understanding rather than the specifics.

obtaining an overview

Highlights the summary nature of the information obtained.

getting the gist

More informal and focuses on the core meaning.

forming an initial impression

Emphasizes the subjective and early stage of understanding.

grasping the essentials

Stresses understanding the most important aspects.

ascertaining the basics

Highlights the process of finding out the fundamental aspects.

forming a rough estimate

Emphasizes approximation and lacks the cognitive aspect of "idea".

developing a preliminary notion

More formal, emphasizes the early stage of the understanding process.

developing a working knowledge

Focuses on knowledge sufficient for practical application.

FAQs

What does "getting a general idea" mean?

The phrase "getting a general idea" means forming an initial, high-level understanding of a topic or concept, without delving into intricate details.

How can I use "getting a general idea" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the process of gaining an initial understanding, such as: "After the presentation, I was "getting a general idea" of the project's goals."

What are some alternatives to "getting a general idea"?

Alternatives include "gaining a basic understanding", "obtaining an overview", or "getting the gist", each conveying a slightly different nuance of initial comprehension.

Is it appropriate to use "getting a general idea" in formal writing?

While acceptable, more formal alternatives like "acquiring a broad sense" or "developing a preliminary notion" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.