in general use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in general use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is commonly or widely utilized or accepted in a particular context or field. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is now in general use among environmentalists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yang says he expects this new generation of surgical instruments to be in general use within a decade.

The Guardian - Business

Three temperature scales are in general use today.

Britannica

The birch-bark canoe was in general use for transportation.

Britannica

Inscriptions, though still often contracted, were in general use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The iPhone 7 is snappy, feeling slightly faster than the iPhone 6S in general use.

The Guardian - Tech

In general use the screen is crisp enough for viewing most text.

The Guardian - Tech

It has a less powerful graphics processor, but it wasn't noticeable in general use.

The Guardian - Tech

Most of the equipment he designed is still in general use today.

Britannica

His versions of both Plato and Plotinus remained in general use until the 18th century.

Britannica

The reed was in general use in the Greco-Roman world.

Britannica

With one or two minor changes, this blasting cap remained in general use until the 1920s.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the adoption of a new technology or method, consider using "in general use" to indicate its current level of acceptance and implementation.

Common error

Avoid using "in general use" vaguely. Always provide context or specify what is in general use to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "the technology is in general use", specify "the technology is in general use across the healthcare industry."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in general use" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is commonly or widely utilized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrating its role in describing the prevalence of a practice, technology, or term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

36%

News & Media

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in general use" correctly describes something widely adopted or commonly practiced, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjectival phrase suitable for neutral registers, indicating broad acceptance across diverse fields such as encyclopedias, news, and science. To ensure clarity, always specify the context or item that is "in general use". Alternatives include "commonly used" and "widely adopted", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly used

This alternative focuses on the frequency of utilization.

widely adopted

This alternative emphasizes the acceptance and integration of something into common practice.

generally accepted

This alternative highlights the broad agreement and approval of something.

in common practice

This alternative stresses that something is a standard or routine procedure.

typically employed

This alternative suggests that something is a usual or expected method.

routinely applied

This alternative indicates a regular and consistent implementation.

ordinarily utilized

This alternative implies a customary or standard mode of use.

customarily used

This alternative focuses on the habitual or traditional nature of the use.

prevalent in practice

This alternative emphasizes the widespread presence of something in actual application.

universally applied

This alternative suggests that something is used by everyone.

FAQs

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

You can use "in general use" to describe something that is commonly or widely utilized. For example, "The term 'cloud computing' is now "in general use" in the tech industry."

What are some alternatives to "in general use"?

Alternatives include "commonly used", "widely adopted", or "generally accepted", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "in general use"?

While "in general" and "use" can sometimes stand alone, combining them emphasizes the widespread and common nature of the application. It clarifies that something isn't just used, but is broadly utilized.

Which is more appropriate, "in general use" or "for general use"?

"In general use" describes something currently being used widely, while "for general use" indicates something is intended for broad application. The choice depends on whether you're describing current practice or intended purpose.