so in general

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so in general" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a broad statement or summary that applies to most situations or cases. Example: "So in general, we can conclude that regular exercise has numerous health benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So in general, your brain has many folds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And humans would get roughly 60% of those correct or so, in general.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, in general, it's not doing as much redundant sampling at each restriction site.

Cornell University

But these have different learning rates, so in general, the irregular systems take longer to learn.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And so in general I think the state has to protect the feelings of believers.

The New York Times

So, in general: The paintings present objects singly, side by side, or in overlapping groups.

The New Yorker

So, in general, if you are in an uncertain world, make it simple.

Harvard Business Review

And so, in general, you have an equation of the form, something times t plus something equals something.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, in general, we indeed can consider vectors in abstract spaces that have any number of coordinates.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, in general, does the press, and I do sympathize — optimism really does make for more compelling reading.

The New York Times

"There's a lot of research money in that field," so, in general, there is more available science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "so in general" is best suited for bridging a specific detail and a broad conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "so in general" when the subsequent statement is based on very limited evidence or applies only to a specific situation. Ensure the generalization is supported by sufficient information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so in general" primarily functions as a transitional phrase, linking prior information to a broader conclusion or generalization. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The "so" acts as a discourse marker, signaling a shift to a summary statement, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

36%

News & Media

32%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so in general" is a frequently used phrase that effectively introduces a generalization or summary. Ludwig AI indicates its validity in English writing. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including academic, news, and scientific writing, although slightly leaning towards informal tone. While highly versatile, writers should ensure their generalizations are well-supported to avoid overstatements. Alternatives such as "in general" or "overall" can be considered for a more formal tone. It is important to note the contexts in which this phrase appears: Academia, News & Media and Science are the 3 most frequent contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

Omits the introductory "so", making it slightly more concise.

overall

Offers a broader summary without focusing on specific instances.

generally speaking

Replaces "so" with "generally speaking", offering a more formal tone.

on the whole

Suggests considering the overall picture or majority of cases.

for the most part

Indicates that something is true in most instances, but not all.

as a rule

Implies a typical pattern or behavior, rather than a broad summary.

by and large

Similar to "on the whole", but with a slightly more informal feel.

in most cases

Focuses on the frequency of an occurrence, rather than a generalization.

typically

Highlights what is usual or expected, not necessarily all-encompassing.

to summarize

Explicitly signals a summary, which is less subtle than "so in general".

FAQs

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

"So in general" is often used to introduce a summary or broad statement based on preceding information. For example, "We've seen an increase in sales this quarter, so in general, the company is performing well."

What phrases are similar to "so in general"?

Alternatives to "so in general" include "in general", "generally speaking", or "overall". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "so in general"?

While "in general" alone conveys a similar meaning, the addition of "so" can serve as a transition, signaling that a general conclusion is being drawn from the preceding statements. It depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the writing.

Can "so in general" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "so in general" is acceptable in formal writing, though alternatives like "generally speaking" or "overall" might be preferred in certain contexts for a more polished tone.