should not be generalized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should not be generalized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific case or situation that should not be applied broadly to other cases or situations. Example: "While this study provides valuable insights, the findings should not be generalized to all populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, results should not be generalized to the general population.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

"The actions of two people should not be generalized," Ms. Polgar said.

The New York Times

It implies that wilting point should not be generalized as usually done in literature.

Measurement

The other believed that this concern with violent pornography should not be generalized into a suspicion of sex itself.

The New Yorker

This study concerns only the US, and results should not be generalized to other countries or historical contexts.

Cities

The consequences of elective hysterectomy and oophorectomy in midlife women may differ from those of younger women, and findings should not be generalized to younger populations.

Nature

The data cannot and should not be generalized to a broader population of Black males.

Health & Justice

As a consequence, the survey findings presented here should not be generalized beyond the 286 individuals who completed the survey.

Journal of Organization Design

As such, findings on the Lebanese host community population should not be generalized to the Lebanese population.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

However, the above conclusion on spillover impacts should not be generalized into more established markets like the US.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Furthermore, the advantages of interactive avatars as reflected in the previous works should not be generalized to non-interactive avatars.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting research findings, explicitly state the limitations to avoid overgeneralization. Use "should not be generalized" to clearly define the scope of your conclusions and maintain scientific integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "should not be generalized" as a disclaimer after already making broad claims. Clarify the limitations of your findings early in the discussion to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should not be generalized" functions as a qualifier or a disclaimer. It's used to limit the scope of applicability of a statement, result, or observation. Ludwig highlights that the phrase is employed to emphasize that particular findings are context-dependent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should not be generalized" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express caution against applying specific findings or results too broadly. As Ludwig confirms, it's particularly prevalent in scientific and academic contexts to emphasize the limitations of studies. When using this phrase, remember to clearly define the specific context or population to which the findings apply. While alternatives like "cannot be universally applied" exist, "should not be generalized" effectively conveys the message that results are not universally valid and need careful interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not be applied broadly

This suggests a more cautious approach, advising against wide-ranging application.

cannot be generalized to all

States directly that the results are limited and cannot be applied to every person or situation.

cannot be universally applied

This phrase emphasizes the impossibility of applying something to every situation.

must not be extrapolated

This phrase specifically warns against extending conclusions beyond the data.

results are not universally valid

Indicates that the conclusions are limited and may not be true in every situation.

is not applicable in all cases

This indicates that the concept or finding is limited to certain situations.

should be cautiously interpreted

Emphasizes the need for careful understanding and application of the results.

cannot be assumed in every instance

Highlights that the statement is not valid for every case.

findings are context-specific

Highlights that the research is tied to a particular scenario.

is not always true

Indicates that the statement has exceptions or limitations.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "should not be generalized"?

Use "should not be generalized" when discussing findings, results, or observations that are specific to a particular context, population, or set of conditions, and you want to caution against applying them too broadly. This is common in research and analysis.

What are some alternatives to saying "should not be generalized"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be universally applied", "must not be extrapolated", or "is not applicable in all cases" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does using "should not be generalized" enhance the credibility of research?

Using "should not be generalized" demonstrates awareness of the limitations inherent in any study or observation. This acknowledgment strengthens credibility by showing intellectual honesty and preventing potential overreach in interpreting results.

Is it better to say "cannot be generalized" or "should not be generalized"?

Both "cannot be generalized" and "should not be generalized" are correct, but they carry slightly different implications. "Cannot be generalized" suggests a definitive impossibility due to methodological or contextual constraints, while "should not be generalized" advises against it, implying potential risks or inaccuracies if applied too broadly.