in a more general sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a more general sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to broaden your discussion from a specific point to a broader point. For example, "The term 'fracas' typically refers to a loud, chaotic argument, but in a more general sense could refer to any sort of commotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They correspond to the dissipation in the flow field or, in a more general sense, to the entropy generation due to the conduit component under consideration.

Chemical Engineering Science

Timing was also a factor in a more general sense.

The New York Times

But the word is sometimes used in a more general sense.

The New Yorker

In a more general sense, it implies a study of transformations of energy.

The New York Times

In a more general sense, the net can help them feel "connected" to wider society.

The Guardian - Tech

And in a more general sense, what is the importance of chivalry in inventing and modifying a social class?

University of Pennsylvania

The terms benign and malignant, most often used to describe tumours, can be used in a more general sense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes "Gilead" is used in a more general sense for all the region east of the Jordan River.

Britannica

In a more general sense, President Bush should be commended for nominating someone with so substantial a judicial record.

The New York Times

The word is used in a more general sense to indicate the whole class of such experiences.

Britannica

So, having ceased worrying about butter, I immediately started worrying about food trends in a more general sense.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a more general sense" to transition from a specific example or detail to a broader concept or application. This helps to provide context and relevance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in a more general sense" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, try to integrate broader concepts more seamlessly into your discussion or use alternative phrases to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a more general sense" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It is used to signal a shift from a specific point or example to a broader, more encompassing perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it broadens the scope of a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a more general sense" is a versatile tool for expanding the scope of a discussion and connecting specific details to broader concepts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s grammatically correct and effective for transitioning to a wider perspective. It is "Very common" and primarily used in science and news reporting, offering a way to contextualize information for the reader. While useful, it’s important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases to maintain writing variety. The phrase is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, and helps to generalize statements effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in broader terms

Similar to 'more broadly speaking' but focuses on the terms used rather than the act of speaking.

more broadly speaking

Replaces "in a more general sense" with an adverbial phrase focusing on speaking in broader terms.

in a wider context

Shifts the focus from generality to the breadth of the context being considered.

as a general principle

Emphasizes a guiding rule or belief that applies broadly.

on a larger scale

Emphasizes the magnitude or scope of the issue being discussed.

by and large

Suggests that something is true in most aspects or considered as a whole.

typically speaking

Highlights a general trend or common occurrence.

in most cases

Indicates that something is true for the majority of instances, not necessarily all.

as a rule

Indicates something is generally true, moving away from a specific case.

to generalize

Turns the phrase into a verb emphasizing the act of making a general statement or conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "in a more general sense" in a sentence?

Use "in a more general sense" to introduce a broader concept or application related to a specific point you've already made. For example, "The term 'algorithm' is used in computer science, but "in a more general sense", it can refer to any set of rules or instructions."

What can I say instead of "in a more general sense"?

You can use alternatives such as "more broadly speaking", "in a wider context", or "on a larger scale depending on the context".

Is "in a general sense" the same as "in a more general sense"?

While both phrases indicate generality, "in a more general sense" often implies a shift from a specific point to a broader one. "In a general sense" simply introduces a general statement without necessarily contrasting it with something specific.

When is it appropriate to use "in a more general sense" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "in a more general sense" when you want to expand on a specific idea or example and connect it to a broader principle or concept. It helps to provide context and demonstrate the wider relevance of your discussion.