is generally positive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is generally positive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an overall favorable or optimistic assessment of a situation, opinion, or outcome. Example: "The feedback from the survey is generally positive, indicating that most participants are satisfied with the service."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The coefficient on the assimilation factor is generally positive and is significant for the general, leisure and sports, and career risk attitudes.

IZA Journal of Migration

— Meanwhile, Vodafone has weighed in with a complaint about Ofcom's documentation (over 1,000 pages, it notes) but is generally positive in its response: "A competitive market for the next generation of mobile internet services will bring substantial benefits to British consumers, businesses and the wider economy.

TechCrunch

It also is generally positive across all states.

The Guardian

Coverage of the visit to Burnley, the scene of racial disturbances in 2001, is generally positive.

The Guardian

Increased ease of trading bank loans is generally positive for investors, who now have more benchmarks for assessing portfolio quality.

The New York Times

In fact, their net direct contribution to the public purse is generally positive.

The Economist

Philipp Dustin Tarnawski, 23: We'd rather have a discussion about bananas than the height of our borders The public view of the EU in Germany is generally positive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Liberal die-hard sneakerheads, too, are unlikely to be put off long-term because, as Kim says, "New Balance's rep is generally positive because of their manufacturing practices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While the outlook on Wall Street is generally positive, Mr. Malone's recent stumbles, along with uncertainties about European cable, are worrisome.

The New York Times

The offshore wind industry is generally positive towards the subsidy regime promised by UK energy secretary, Amber Rudd, of three more "contracts for difference" auctions before 2020.

The Guardian

Still, the mood in the mine is generally positive and even light — at least in the video.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is generally positive", ensure the context provides specific details about what aspects are positive to avoid vagueness. For example, specify whether the feedback, results, or outlook is positive.

Common error

Avoid using "is generally positive" as a standalone statement without supporting evidence. Always provide context or specific examples to substantiate the claim, otherwise it can sound unsubstantiated and weak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is generally positive" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or subject by attributing a predominantly favorable quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase "is correct" to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is generally positive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys an overall favorable assessment. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from academic and scientific writings to news reports and professional communications. While the phrase suggests a predominantly positive aspect, it also acknowledges potential exceptions or minor drawbacks. To maximize clarity and impact, always provide specific context or evidence to support the claim that something "is generally positive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is mostly favorable

Replaces "generally" with "mostly", indicating a slight reduction in the scope of positivity.

is largely optimistic

Substitutes "positive" with "optimistic" and "generally" with "largely", focusing on hopefulness.

is predominantly upbeat

Emphasizes the cheerful nature of the subject, replacing "positive" with "upbeat".

is fairly encouraging

Highlights the motivating aspect, changing "positive" to "encouraging".

is quite promising

Shifts the focus to future potential, replacing "positive" with "promising".

tends to be advantageous

Focuses on the beneficial aspect, using "advantageous" instead of "positive".

is on the whole constructive

Emphasizes the building or helpful nature, substituting "positive" with "constructive".

skews towards the affirmative

Uses more formal language to suggest a leaning towards a positive response.

is broadly beneficial

Focuses on the wide-ranging good effects, changing "positive" to "beneficial" and "generally" to "broadly".

leans toward a good outcome

Expresses a preference for a favorable result, replacing "positive" with "good outcome".

FAQs

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

You can use "is generally positive" to describe an overall favorable assessment. For example: "The feedback on the new product "is generally positive", indicating high customer satisfaction".

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

Some alternatives to "is generally positive" include "is mostly favorable", "is largely optimistic", or "is fairly encouraging", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is generally positive" or "is always positive"?

"Is generally positive" acknowledges that there might be exceptions or minor drawbacks, whereas "is always positive" suggests unwavering positivity. The choice depends on the accuracy of the statement in the given context. If the subject isn't positive in EVERY case, pick "is generally positive".

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

"Is positive" suggests a definite and absolute affirmation. "Is generally positive" indicates a predominant but not necessarily universal positive aspect. The addition of "generally" acknowledges potential exceptions or varying degrees of positivity.