on a general note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a general note" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce an overview of the topic you are discussing, or to make a general comment that relates back to the topic. For example: "On a general note, it's important to think carefully before making any major decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

On a general note, the different scaling of length, surface area and volume makes a straightforward comparison between microchannel reactors and conventional reactors far from trivial.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

On a general note, diurnal variation of ionospheric F2 layer characteristics coefficient of variability (CV) is characterised by post- and pre-midnight peaks at all seasons, epochs and longitude.

Advances in Space Research

On a general note, it's crucial to be a graduate to find yourself on top of any competition in the job market and get better employment opportunities as early as possible.

Stanford University

On a general note, PET and 13C-MRSI data acquisition could be performed simultaneously without any practical issues.

EJNMMI Physics

On a general note the cohort studies perform fairly well in the selection domain but poorly in the outcome domain.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This indicates that on a general note, the respondents were satisfied with the radiological services they received.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Merrill raised its price target for Dixons from 19p to 22p as part of a general note on the retail sector.

The Guardian - Business

On a more general note, a common complaint I hear from writers is that Bafta excludes the writing award from its main TV awards ceremony, instead lumping them into its untelevised craft awards.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a more general note, a report by the International Monetary Fund has raised concerns over the inadequate risk-sharing in public-private partnerships [ 47].

Globalization and Health

On a more general note, a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating access to the brain may result in a better understanding on how to deliver therapeutic agents to the central nervous system.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

On a more general note, our study constitutes an effort to trace the origins of gross morphological features of the brain to fundamental cellular properties.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a general note" to smoothly transition into a broader discussion point that is relevant to the current topic. It helps signal a shift in focus from specifics to a more encompassing perspective.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with introductory phrases like "on a general note". This can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure for a more engaging and dynamic style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a general note" functions as an introductory phrase or discourse marker. It is used to signal a shift in topic or perspective, moving from specific details to a broader, more general observation or comment. Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a general note" is a useful introductory phrase for transitioning to a broader perspective in various forms of communication. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as a discourse marker that signals a shift from specific details to a more general observation. While grammatically correct and appropriate for use in news, science and business writing, overuse should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "in general" or "generally speaking" to maintain a varied and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

This is a shorter, more direct way of expressing a similar sentiment.

generally speaking

This alternative emphasizes that the statement is a broad generalization.

broadly speaking

Similar to "generally speaking", emphasizing a wide-ranging statement.

as a general rule

This suggests that the statement is typically true, though exceptions may exist.

as a general observation

Highlights the statement as a general comment based on observation.

by and large

This phrase implies that the statement is true for the most part, despite minor inconsistencies.

on the whole

Similar to "by and large", this phrase indicates an overall assessment.

in most cases

This highlights that the statement applies to the majority of situations.

more generally

This suggests moving from a specific point to a broader perspective.

as a rule of thumb

This implies a practical, though not always precise, guideline.

FAQs

How can I use "on a general note" in a sentence?

You can use "on a general note" to introduce a broad observation or comment related to the topic at hand. For example, "We've discussed the specifics of the project; "on a general note", let's remember the importance of teamwork."

What can I say instead of "on a general note"?

Alternatives include "in general", "generally speaking", or "as a general rule". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "on a general note" followed by a very specific point?

Yes, it can be. "On a general note" is meant to introduce a broad idea. If you immediately follow it with a highly specific detail, the phrase may seem out of place. Ensure the following statement maintains a degree of generality.

Can "on a general note" be used at the end of a paragraph?

While less common, it's possible. Using "on a general note" at the end can provide a concluding summary or a takeaway point that applies broadly to the preceding discussion. However, it's generally more effective at the beginning to set the tone for what follows.