it generally means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it generally means" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the common interpretation or definition of a term or concept. Example: "In the context of this discussion, the term 'sustainability' generally means the ability to maintain ecological balance without depleting resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Clearly, when things like this happen," he told Hawaii News Now, "it generally means you're doing something right.

Huffington Post

In current parlance, it generally means studies that generate enormous rates of data flow and require extensive computation centered on DNA structure and function, particularly DNA sequencing or metrics of DNA variation.

Genome Medicine

If your cat is wagging its tail strongly from side to side, it generally means it is angry or playful, so it is best to leave it alone.

WikiHow

It generally means, as you know, to be very close to someone.

The Guardian - Opinion

In practice it generally means that a weeny notion hopes to gain weight by attaching itself to a mighty abstract.

The Guardian

Responding to the criticism, Ms. Mallis said: "When they tell you, 'This doesn't work for me,' it generally means that business hasn't been good for a few seasons".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Fixed it" generally meant peeling it away.

The New York Times

When audiences threw rotten vegetables at actors in the old days, it generally meant they weren't having a good time.

The New York Times - Arts

Before 2000, if you talked about having "the franchise" somewhere in America, it generally meant that you had secured the right to open a Subway sandwich shop or a Ben & Jerry's.

The New York Times

Skidelsky, in his account of this phase of Keynes's life, may not discount sufficiently for Bloomsbury hyperbole in sexual matters: when the gossip was that Keynes had "buggered" someone at a party, it generally meant that an embrace or a kiss was attempted.

The New Yorker

At the time, I was the Socceroos team manager and most players aspiring to be a part of the set-up knew that if I called them it generally meant one of two things: they were in the squad or they were not.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it generally means", ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined in the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "it generally means" based on personal assumptions or limited observations. Always ensure your generalization is supported by evidence or widely accepted knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it generally means" functions as an expository phrase, used to explain or clarify the typical or common meaning of something. It introduces a definition or interpretation that is widely understood but may not be universally applicable, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it generally means" is a versatile tool for explaining common interpretations and implications across diverse fields. As Ludwig highlights, its grammatical correctness and widespread use make it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's crucial to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization, backing up claims with solid evidence. Alternatives like "it typically implies" or "it commonly suggests" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Predominantly found in news and media, "it generally means" serves as a practical way to convey widely accepted understandings, while maintaining a neutral and informative tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it typically implies

Replaces "generally means" with "typically implies", focusing on the suggestion rather than a direct definition.

it usually signifies

Substitutes "generally means" with "usually signifies", emphasizing the representational aspect.

it commonly suggests

Replaces "generally means" with "commonly suggests", indicating a frequent association.

it often indicates

Changes "generally means" to "often indicates", highlighting the signal or sign aspect.

it's commonly understood as

Replaces "generally means" with a phrase emphasizing shared understanding or interpretation.

it is generally interpreted as

Emphasizes the act of interpretation, making the meaning less direct and more subjective.

it's typically understood to be

Similar to "it's commonly understood as", but uses "typically" to denote frequency.

it's widely considered

This alternative focuses on widespread opinion, rather than strict definition.

it is frequently associated with

Highlights the connection or relationship that "it" has with something else.

it tends to represent

Focuses on what "it" portrays, rather than a direct meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "it generally means" in a sentence?

Use "it generally means" to convey the common interpretation or implication of something. For example, "If a cat wags its tail strongly from side to side, "it generally means" it is angry or playful".

What are some alternatives to "it generally means"?

You can use alternatives such as "it typically implies", "it usually signifies", or "it commonly suggests" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "it generally means" in formal writing?

Yes, "it generally means" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider using more precise language if a specific definition is required. Alternatives like "it is defined as" may be suitable in some contexts.

Can "it generally means" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, but ensure the meaning is consistent with the established definition within the scientific community. Be specific and avoid ambiguity. For example, "In current parlance, if it generally means studies that generate enormous rates of data flow".