more generally than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more generally than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making comparisons or discussing broader categories or concepts in relation to something more specific. Example: "This theory applies more generally than the previous models, allowing for a wider range of applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Moreover, the remaining laws the laws of non-contradiction and excluded middle apply more generally than to identity assertions; thus they cannot be expressed in their full generality without invoking assertions of the form S is P and S is not P. (That is, the law of excluded middle cannot be expressed as: either A is A or A is not A; similarly, mutatis mutandis, for the law of non-contradiction).

SEP

This lower bound holds more generally than just for Bernoulli distributions, see for example Burnetas and Katehakis.

Princeton University

There is a risk that deductions from the observations will be applied (not necessarily by the authors) more generally than is justified.

International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow

When local governments make deals with developers and sports teams, they often negotiate "public benefits" packages that benefit the public more generally than the proposed deal itself.

The Washington Post

We have experienced a more sustained era of political parity in the House — and in our politics, more generally — than at any time since the Civil War.

The Washington Post

They hold that the marginal-productivity theory is a guide to long-run trends in wage determination and applies more generally than the bargaining theory of wages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Also, the coplanarity criteria are more generally applied than the requirement of junction structures.

Pattern Recognition Letters

For three centuries his work was more generally admired than that of any sculptor except Michelangelo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What's more, he said, rates of ECT had declined among adults more generally, rather than older people.

The Guardian

This grandiose city with wide avenues and a vibrant cosmopolitan flair is more generally European than Latin American in character.

Britannica

It is more generally applicable than other invasive methods.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more generally than", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the scope of the generalization is well-defined. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the extent to which something applies or is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "more generally than" to describe situations where the broader application is negligible or insignificant. Overstating the generality can mislead the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more generally than" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate that something applies or is true to a greater extent or in a broader range of situations than something else. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more generally than" is a comparative adverbial phrase used to indicate that something applies or is true in a wider range of situations compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence in Science, News & Media, and Academia. When employing "more generally than", clarity is key; ensure the comparison is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "more widely applicable than" or "to a greater extent than". Avoid overstating the generality and make sure that the broader application is significant. Being mindful of these points will improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more widely applicable than

Focuses on the applicability rather than generality.

more broadly applicable than

Synonymous with 'more widely applicable than', emphasizing scope.

more universally than

Highlights the universal aspect rather than general instances.

to a greater extent than

Shifts focus to the degree or magnitude of application.

on a larger scale than

Emphasizes the scale or size of the application.

more comprehensively than

Implies a more thorough or complete coverage.

more inclusively than

Focuses on the aspect of inclusion and encompassing more elements.

more extensively than

Highlights the detailed and widespread nature of the application.

more globally than

Indicates worldwide or international applicability.

in a wider context than

Shifts the emphasis to the breadth of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "more generally than" in a sentence?

Use "more generally than" to indicate that a principle, rule, or concept applies to a wider range of situations or cases compared to something else. For example, "This rule applies "more generally than" the previous one, covering a broader set of circumstances."

What's a good substitute for "more generally than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "more widely applicable than", "to a greater extent than", or "on a larger scale than", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what is less general when using "more generally than"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is less general provides clarity and context. Omitting it can sometimes leave the reader wondering what the comparison is being made against, potentially weakening your statement.

What's the difference between "more generally than" and "more specifically than"?

"More generally than" indicates a broader application, while "more specifically than" implies a narrower, more detailed focus. They are antonyms, used to describe opposite ends of a spectrum of applicability.