quite general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite general" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not specific or detailed, but rather broad or vague in nature. Example: The instructions for this task are quite general and may not provide enough guidance for newcomers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The pruning phenomenon was thought to be quite general".

The New Yorker

The language in Mr. Barron's resolution is quite general.

The New York Times

This definition is quite general.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The method used was quite general.

Chemistry Central Journal

A simple and quite general methodological approach is presented.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This action can be taken in a quite general form.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

This shows that Algorithm 3.1 is quite general and unifying.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The framework introduced thus far is quite general.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The constitutive model for the solid can be quite general.

Journal of Computational Physics

Such doubts, though quite general, are examples of ordinary incredulity.

SEP

The developed approach is quite general and applicable to any composite materials.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite general" when you want to indicate that a statement, rule, or method applies broadly and isn't limited to specific cases. It's suitable when you need to convey a sense of overall coverage without focusing on details.

Common error

Avoid using "quite general" in technical or legal writing where specificity is crucial. Instead, opt for more precise language that leaves no room for ambiguity. Vague language can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite general" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something lacks specificity or has wide applicability. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes methods, conditions, or descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite general" is a versatile adjective phrase used to indicate a lack of specificity or broad applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and journalistic domains. While adaptable, it's essential to avoid using "quite general" in situations that demand precision, as more specific language is preferable. Alternatives such as ""broad in scope"" or ""fairly broad"" can be employed to achieve slightly different nuances while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad in scope

Directly refers to the extent of the subject matter covered.

fairly broad

Emphasizes the extent of coverage rather than the lack of detail.

relatively nonspecific

Focuses on the absence of specific details or constraints.

not particularly detailed

Highlights the lack of specific information.

somewhat comprehensive

Highlights the inclusion of many elements, implying generality.

rather inclusive

Suggests that a wide range of items or cases are covered.

largely encompassing

Suggests the inclusion of a wide variety of elements.

largely unrestrictive

Indicates a lack of limitations or constraints.

somewhat vague

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or precision.

pretty universal

Indicates widespread applicability or relevance.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite general" to describe something that lacks specific details or has broad applicability. For example, "The rules outlined in the document are "largely unrestrictive"" or "His explanation was "somewhat vague" and didn't clarify the specifics."

What's a good alternative to "quite general"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "broad in scope", "fairly broad", or "largely encompassing" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice will depend on the nuances you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "quite general"?

It's appropriate to use "quite general" when describing something that applies widely or lacks specific limitations. However, be mindful of contexts where precision is necessary; in those cases, more specific language is preferable.

Is "quite general" formal or informal?

The phrase "quite general" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its level of formality is neutral, making it versatile for various writing styles.