is generally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is generally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a general concept as opposed to a specific one. For example, you could say "It is generally accepted that everyone should have access to education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is generally true.

The New York Times - Sports

Drinking is generally moderate.

The New Yorker

Housing is generally overcrowded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She is generally tart.

The New Yorker

This is generally true.

The Economist

Loading is generally mechanized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is generally guileless.

The New Yorker

The traffic is generally sparse.

The New York Times

Cooperation is generally mixed, however.

The New York Times - Tech

Overseas study is generally expensive.

The New York Times

Moderate control is generally better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is generally" to introduce broad statements or trends, but always be prepared to provide specific examples or exceptions to support your claim. This ensures clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is generally" without sufficient evidence or when discussing sensitive topics where generalizations can be harmful. Always consider the potential for exceptions and nuanced perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is generally" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically indicating the degree to which a statement is true. It suggests that something is true in most cases but allows for exceptions, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is generally" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to express commonality or typicality while acknowledging the possibility of exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. When using "is generally", it's crucial to provide supporting evidence and consider potential overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "is typically" or "is usually" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is typically

Focuses on the typical nature or usual occurrence of something, implying a pattern.

is usually

Highlights what commonly happens or is done, suggesting a habitual or expected action.

is commonly

Emphasizes the widespread occurrence or acceptance of something within a group or context.

is often

Indicates a frequent occurrence, but not necessarily a universal one.

is frequently

Similar to "is often", but suggests a slightly higher degree of regularity or repeated occurrence.

tends to be

Implies a natural inclination or predisposition towards a particular state or behavior.

is by and large

Suggests that something is true with only minor exceptions or qualifications.

is for the most part

Similar to "is by and large", indicating that something is mainly true or applicable.

as a rule is

Highlights a standard or customary practice, suggesting that deviations are infrequent.

in most cases is

Indicates that something is true or applicable in the majority of instances, but not all.

FAQs

How can I use "is generally" in a sentence?

Use "is generally" to make statements that are typically true, but may have exceptions. For example, "The weather in July "is generally" warm" implies that while it's usually warm, there might be cooler days.

What are some alternatives to "is generally"?

Alternatives include "is typically", "is usually", or "is commonly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "is generally"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "is generally" can sound awkward. It's often better to rephrase the sentence for smoother readability. For example, instead of "Is generally, cats are independent", try "Cats are generally independent".

What's the difference between "is generally" and "is always"?

"Is generally" indicates a tendency or common occurrence, allowing for exceptions. "Is always" implies a universal truth without any exceptions. Using "is always" when "is generally" is more appropriate can lead to inaccurate statements.