they are generally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are generally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is true in most cases or under typical circumstances. Example: "They are generally considered to be the best option for beginners due to their user-friendly interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are generally ignored.

The New York Times - Sports

They are generally permanent, chronic conditions.

The New York Times

They are generally rather sluggish fishes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are generally stronger in backgammon.

The Economist

They are generally not investment purchases.

The New York Times

They are generally recognized as Post-Impressionists.

The New Yorker

They are generally very well sited.

The New York Times

They are generally humble things, casually assembled and presented.

The New York Times

Rather, Ms. Weintraub said, they are generally civic in nature.

The New York Times

They are generally expected to reach a compromise.

The Guardian

Once a witness starts fibbing, they are generally toast.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are generally" to introduce a statement that is true in most situations, but not necessarily all. This acknowledges potential exceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "they are generally" when the statement applies to almost all cases without exception. In such instances, a more definitive statement is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are generally" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically indicating the degree or extent to which a statement is true. It qualifies a statement, suggesting it's true in most cases, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are generally" is a versatile tool for expressing generalizations with caveats. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It serves to qualify statements, acknowledging exceptions and adding precision. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for neutral and informative communication. When writing, remember that while "they are generally" is a strong and useful qualifier, it's important to avoid overgeneralization and choose more definitive language when appropriate. Alternatives like "they are typically" or "they are usually" can be considered for subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they typically are

Replaces "generally" with "typically", indicating a common occurrence or characteristic.

they usually are

Substitutes "generally" with "usually", suggesting what commonly happens or is the case.

in general, they are

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the general nature of the statement.

they tend to be

Uses "tend to be" to indicate a common inclination or behavior.

they are, as a rule

Expresses a general observation that holds true in most cases.

by and large, they are

Emphasizes the overall or predominant nature of the statement.

for the most part, they are

Indicates that the statement is true in the majority of instances.

as a general rule, they are

Similar to "they are, as a rule", but slightly more formal.

they are commonly

Replaces "generally" with "commonly" to highlight the frequent occurrence of something.

more often than not, they are

Indicates that something is true or happens more frequently than not.

FAQs

How can I use "they are generally" in a sentence?

Use "they are generally" to describe something that is typically or usually the case, acknowledging that there might be exceptions. For example, "They are generally considered safe to use."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "they are generally"?

Alternatives to "they are generally" include "they are typically", "they are usually", and "they tend to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "they are generally always"?

Yes, using "generally always" together is often redundant. "Generally" implies a common occurrence, while "always" suggests it happens in every instance. Choose one or the other for clarity.

What's the difference between "they are generally" and "they are specifically"?

"They are generally" suggests a common or typical characteristic, while "they are specifically" indicates a particular or defined characteristic. For example, "They are generally used for cleaning" versus "They are specifically designed for sensitive skin".