to get a general idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to get a general idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the process of understanding the general concept of something, rather than the details. For example, "I read the article, but I'm still trying to get a general idea of what it is about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"I'm just trying to get a general idea of what's on the market".

The New York Times

To get a general idea, you can watch all the semi-finalists here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

· Use the financial aid calculator on their website to get a general idea of the aid package you might receive if you are admitted.

The New York Times

Watching everyone go through that, and seeing who was receptive and who was contributing, was an amazing early canvas to get a general idea.

The New York Times

In order to get a general idea on what the CHEMDNER corpus contains we carried out a simple statistical corpus analytics to summarize the corpus content.

Journal of Cheminformatics

For now, consumers can use this information to get a general idea as to their financial health, but in the future, Credit Sesame will provide more specific guidance.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"I like to study my opponent... it's a good idea to like get a general idea of what you're dealing with.

Huffington Post

Figure out how far you are willing to travel, and get a general idea of the area you want to go to.

WikiHow

Although she is most known for her performance in, listen to audio recordings, and just get a general idea of what kind of person she is.

WikiHow

Sizing is not always consistent with different brands, but if you try to measure yourself, you can get a general idea of what size you should wear.

WikiHow

Watch movies she's in, watch youtube videos, listen to audio recordings, and just get a general idea of what kind of person she is.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to get a general idea" when you want to convey the act of gaining a basic, non-detailed understanding of something before delving into specifics. This phrase sets the stage for further exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "to get a general idea" when you actually mean to convey a comprehensive understanding. This phrase implies a preliminary overview, not mastery or complete knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to get a general idea" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It outlines the intent behind an action, indicating that the action is performed in order to obtain a basic understanding or overview of a subject, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to get a general idea" serves as a versatile tool for expressing the intention to acquire a basic understanding of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across varied contexts. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch use it, it's crucial to note its neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal settings. Remember, this phrase signifies a preliminary overview, not a comprehensive grasp, making it an ideal starting point for deeper explorations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to obtain a broad overview

Focuses more on acquiring a comprehensive summary.

to grasp the basic concept

Emphasizes understanding the fundamental principle.

to form a preliminary understanding

Highlights the early stage of comprehension.

to gain an initial impression

Stresses the formation of a first feeling or notion.

to acquire a rough notion

Implies a less precise or detailed understanding.

to develop a basic awareness

Focuses on creating a fundamental consciousness.

to familiarize oneself generally

Emphasizes the process of becoming acquainted without detail.

to get the gist

Informal, suggesting capturing the main point quickly.

to understand the fundamentals

Highlights the core aspects of a subject.

to get an inkling

Informal, implying a vague or slight understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "to get a general idea" in a sentence?

You can use "to get a general idea" to describe the process of forming an initial understanding of something. For example, "I read the introduction "to get a general idea" of the book's contents."

What are some alternatives to "to get a general idea"?

You can use alternatives like "to obtain a broad overview", "to grasp the basic concept", or "to form a preliminary understanding depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "to get a general idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "to get a general idea" is acceptable in formal writing, although more precise alternatives might be preferred. In very formal contexts, consider using phrases like "to obtain a broad overview" or "to develop a basic awareness".

What's the difference between "to get a general idea" and "to understand completely"?

"To get a general idea" implies a basic, initial understanding, while "to understand completely" suggests a thorough and comprehensive knowledge. The former is preliminary, while the latter is conclusive.