in general parlance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in general parlance" is correct and can be used in written English.
When a broad definition of a word or concept is needed, "in general parlance" is an appropriate phrase to use. For example, "A person's age, in general parlance, is the number of years that have elapsed since their birth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In general parlance the term is used synonymously with zero gravity and weightlessness, but the prefix micro indicates accelerations equivalent to one-millionth (10−6) of the force of gravity at Earth's surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I recently found myself ravenous in Middlesbrough town centre on a Saturday night after a work assignment, and was directed by a zealous local friend towards what is by far Teesside's most popular fast food – a 'parmesan' (from 'chicken parmesan'), shortened to 'parmo' in general parlance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In general parlance, the term child could apply to any person under the age of 18 years, while the term learner does not imply any particular age group at all.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

(In case you've been hiding in Osama bin Laden's cave, MILF is an acronym that stands for "Mom I'd Like to F---." In general parlance, it is a synonym for "hot mom").

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For someone to be "up north," in the general Soviet parlance, meant his having been arrested and sent off to one of the gulag destinations for his political activities — or, more likely and pertinently, the looseness of his lips, the pointless frivolity of his speeches.

The New Yorker

But in general, Mr. Santorum has tried to be more conciliatory in this election (a "good guy," in wrestling parlance).

The New York Times

In the fall of 2008, Mr. Barofsky, a Democrat, was nominated by the Bush administration to become the independent lawyer inside the Treasury Department (special inspector general, in Washington parlance) responsible for supervising the implementation of the divisive Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.

The New York Times

This generalization was the basis of his attempt to explain what is currently seen as the cosmic effects of a cosmological constant or, in modern parlance, dark energy, as a non-linear consequence of inhomogeneities in general-relativistic cosmology.

Wikipedia

This September the United Nations secretary general will convene what is called, in UN parlance, a "high level segment" of the general assembly to discuss "the rule of law at the national and international levels".

The Guardian

In the parlance of Republicans, the "generals on the ground" have now spoken.

Huffington Post

In fact, in today's parlance, Left is decidedly autistic.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in general parlance" to introduce a definition or explanation that is widely accepted but might not be technically precise.

Common error

Avoid using "in general parlance" in very informal contexts where simpler phrases like "usually" or "commonly" would be more appropriate. It can sound overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in general parlance" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement. It serves to qualify or clarify that the information being presented is based on a common, rather than a technical or specific, understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in general parlance" is a grammatically sound and useful prepositional phrase for indicating that a statement reflects common understanding rather than technical precision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. While adaptable across various contexts, it finds frequent use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. For those seeking alternatives, options like "in common usage" or "generally speaking" offer similar nuances. When employing this phrase, remember to use it when giving a broad explanation and avoid overuse in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in common usage

Focuses on the frequency of use rather than the specific community using the phrase.

in popular language

Highlights the widespread acceptance and understanding of a term.

generally speaking

Indicates a broad overview or simplification, less specific to terminology.

as commonly understood

Emphasizes the prevailing interpretation among people.

in layman's terms

Suggests a simplification of complex jargon for a non-expert audience.

in everyday language

Highlights the use of simple, accessible vocabulary.

in ordinary language

Stresses the use of language that is not technical or specialized.

in plain English

Indicates a deliberate effort to avoid jargon and complexity.

as a rule

Implies a typical or standard understanding, rather than a linguistic convention.

for the most part

Suggests a general trend or tendency, which may not be universally applicable.

FAQs

How can I use "in general parlance" in a sentence?

You can use "in general parlance" to introduce a common or widely understood meaning of a term, as in "'Microgravity', "in general parlance", is often used synonymously with zero gravity, though technically it refers to a condition with very small accelerations".

What's a simpler way to say "in general parlance"?

Alternatives to "in general parlance" include "in common usage", "generally speaking", or "as commonly understood", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "in general parlance" and "in layman's terms"?

"In general parlance" refers to a term's widely accepted meaning, while "in layman's terms" implies simplifying complex jargon for a non-expert audience. The former describes common usage; the latter explains it.

When is it appropriate to use "in general parlance" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "in general parlance" when you want to indicate that you are referring to the common or popular understanding of a term, even if it might not be the most technically accurate or precise definition. It's especially useful when clarifying a term's broad meaning before delving into more specific details.