only in general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only in general" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a statement or observation applies broadly but not specifically or in detail. Example: "The results of the study are only in general applicable to the population, as they do not account for individual differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Although Gill said he was speaking only "in general" terms of the view at his club, his comments do carry the force of his status as an influential board member of the Football Association.

The Guardian - Sport

The collective bargaining agreement covers players' uniforms only in general terms.

The New York Times

Since the late 1990's, brokers have been disclosing the payments, but only in general terms.

The New York Times

It is equally worrying that most people now vote only in general elections.

Independent

He spoke only in general terms at a campus news conference, because of the criminal investigation.

The New York Times - Sports

He was willing to characterize the situation only in general terms.

The New York Times

He added that he did not know Cardinal Egan's medical history and was speaking only in general terms.

The New York Times

"I will run only in general elections for both the Parliament and prime minister," Mr. Netanyahu said.

The New York Times

Mr. Myers said he had been speaking only in general terms and reflecting the views of his clients.

The New York Times

Its vice president for sales and marketing, Michael Maia, would talk to me only in general terms.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite several questions that alluded to his circumstances, Pierce answered only in general terms about his state of mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only in general" to provide a high-level overview when specific details are unnecessary or unavailable. This allows you to convey a broad understanding without getting bogged down in minutiae.

Common error

Be mindful of contexts where specificity is crucial. Overusing "only in general" can make your communication vague and unhelpful when detailed information is needed. Offer specifics whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only in general" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent or manner in which something is described or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts, implying a broad or non-specific approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "only in general" serves to qualify statements, indicating a lack of specificity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia contexts. When clarity and detail are paramount, avoid over-reliance on this phrase and provide specifics whenever possible. Alternatives like "generally speaking" or "in broad terms" can offer similar meanings. Used judiciously, "only in general" is a valuable tool for conveying broad understandings without getting mired in details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Emphasizes a broad overview without specific details.

in broad terms

Focuses on the overall picture rather than precise aspects.

in a general sense

Highlights a non-specific, overall understanding.

without going into detail

Explicitly states the omission of specific information.

on the whole

Implies a consideration of the entirety, but without precision.

as a rule

Suggests a common pattern or tendency.

for the most part

Indicates that something is true in most cases but not necessarily all.

in most instances

Similar to 'for the most part', but emphasizes individual occurrences.

by and large

Emphasizes the overall situation, with minor exceptions.

in outline

Focuses on the basic structure without details.

FAQs

How can I use "only in general" in a sentence?

You can use "only in general" to indicate that you're speaking about something broadly and not in detail. For example, "He spoke "only in general" terms due to the ongoing investigation".

What are some alternatives to saying "only in general"?

Alternatives include "generally speaking", "in broad terms", or "in a general sense". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific or speak "only in general"?

It depends on the situation. Specificity is important when details matter. However, speaking "only in general" is appropriate when providing an overview or when details are not yet known.

How does "only in general" compare to "specifically"?

"Only in general" and "specifically" are contrasting terms. "Only in general" means to discuss a topic broadly, while "specifically" means to discuss it in detail. If you need to add details you can say instead for example: "to be precise" or "in particular".