is generally accurate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is generally accurate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is mostly true or correct, with some allowance for exceptions or minor inaccuracies. Example: "The report on climate change is generally accurate, reflecting the latest scientific consensus on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

While his narrative is generally accurate, his analysis suffers from some problems.

The New York Times - Books

Google shows the reader a scanned version of the page; it is generally accurate and readable.

The New Yorker

TMZ has a complicated role in the Hollywood milieu, given that the site is generally accurate — but often anonymously sourced.

The New York Times

Experts in legal ethics say that Mr. Reasoner's view is generally accurate, but that rules and exceptions have developed over time.

The New York Times

Mr. Kelman says M.L.S. data is generally accurate and up to date, but if an agent finds inaccuracies, the site outlines a procedure to have the information corrected.

The New York Times

Closing costs are included, and assuming the borrower's information is generally accurate, the lender is required to honor those loan terms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

[ 9] They found that cardiologists were more accurate in their perceptions of the underlying risk of CHD than general internists and family physicians, but that estimates of relative risk reduction were generally accurate for all specialties.

BMC Health Services Research

Nonetheless, NATO officials have said those numbers are generally accurate.

The New York Times

But its profit predictions are generally accurate and the dividend yield is 5%.

The Guardian - Business

By contrast, the national polls before last Tueday's contests turned out to be generally accurate.

The New York Times

One note: a transcript of our talk, provided by Assad's office, was generally accurate but it did not include an exchange we had about intelligence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is generally accurate" when you want to convey that something is mostly correct, but acknowledge the possibility of minor errors or exceptions. This provides a balanced and nuanced assessment, avoiding overly strong or absolute claims.

Common error

Avoid using "is generally accurate" when you have strong evidence of significant inaccuracies or widespread errors. In such cases, a more critical assessment is needed to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is generally accurate" functions as a qualifier, indicating a degree of correctness while acknowledging potential minor inaccuracies. It is often used to provide a balanced assessment of information, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is generally accurate" serves as a qualifier to indicate that information is mostly correct but may contain some minor errors or exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including science, news media, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the overall message is one of reliability while acknowledging the possibility of imperfections. Ludwig's examples show it’s suitable for neutral register and common in Science and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is mostly correct

Indicates a slightly lower degree of accuracy than the original phrase.

is largely true

Emphasizes the overall truthfulness, even if some details might be inaccurate.

is broadly correct

Highlights the general correctness while allowing for some minor inaccuracies.

is mainly accurate

Similar to "mostly correct", suggesting a few inaccuracies might exist.

is substantially correct

Implies that the core information is accurate, even if some aspects are not.

is for the most part accurate

A more verbose way of saying "is mostly accurate".

is accurate on the whole

Focuses on the overall accuracy, despite potential minor errors.

is correct in general terms

Specifies that the accuracy is in terms of generalities, not necessarily specific details.

holds true in most cases

Shifts the focus to the frequency of accuracy rather than the degree.

tends to be accurate

Suggests a probability of accuracy rather than a definitive statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "is generally accurate" to describe information, data, or accounts that are mostly correct but may contain some minor errors. For example: "The historical account "is generally accurate", although some details are debated among historians."

What are some alternatives to saying "is generally accurate"?

Some alternatives include "is mostly correct", "is largely true", or "is broadly correct". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of accuracy you wish to convey.

When should I avoid using the phrase "is generally accurate"?

Avoid using "is generally accurate" if you know that the information contains significant errors or if precision is crucial. In those cases, it's better to use more specific and critical language.

What's the difference between "is generally accurate" and "is precisely accurate"?

"Is generally accurate" implies that there might be small errors or deviations, while "is precisely accurate" suggests a complete and total correctness. The choice depends on the level of certainty and detail you want to convey.