to get a general idea of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to get a general idea of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the intention of understanding something in a broad or basic sense without going into detailed specifics. Example: "Before diving into the report, I want to get a general idea of the main findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

A safe strategy is to skim through the book before lecture to get a general idea of what is to be covered, then study it carefully afterwards.

Princeton University

· 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

The object of the research was to get a general idea of the differences in transpiration produced by alternate periods of diffused light and darkness.

Nature

Nicolelis's latest experiments … show that by tapping into multiple neurons in different parts of the brain, it is possible to glean enough information to get a general idea of what the brain is up to.

MIT Technology Review

Applicants from schools other than California community colleges should compare the descriptions (or syllabi) of prerequisites and breadth coursework required of Berkeley applicants, listed on our website and in the Berkeley Academic Guide, with the course syllabi of courses offered at your school to get a general idea of which courses you should take to satisfy our requirements.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

View online auction sites to get a general idea for the amount of money the cards you want to sell are being offered.

WikiHow

Look at fashion magazines and websites to get a general idea for styles that you like.

WikiHow

The increment of our outer loop is ten, as a start, to get a general idea (cf. Figure S4 A).

Plosone

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to get a general idea of", ensure the context clarifies what specific aspects you're seeking to understand. For instance, instead of saying "I want to get a general idea of the project", specify "I want to get a general idea of the project's timeline and budget."

Common error

Avoid using "to get a general idea of" as an excuse for insufficient research or analysis. While it's fine for initial exploration, always aim for deeper understanding to support informed decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to get a general idea of" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, as supported by examples from Ludwig, where the phrase introduces the aim of understanding a subject broadly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to get a general idea of" serves as a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the intention of acquiring a basic understanding of a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applicability spans various contexts, from academic explorations to everyday conversations. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and choose more precise alternatives when appropriate, particularly in formal or scientific writing. Common contexts include Wiki, News & Media and Science. While widely understood, ensure its use doesn't become a substitute for thorough analysis when in-depth knowledge is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to gain a basic understanding of

Emphasizes acquiring a foundational level of comprehension rather than a vague notion.

to form a rough impression of

Focuses on creating an initial, approximate mental picture or sense of something.

to obtain an overview of

Highlights the process of acquiring a summary or condensed view of a subject.

to get the gist of

Implies grasping the main point or essence of something quickly and informally.

to develop a sense of

Suggests a gradual accumulation of awareness or familiarity with something.

to acquire a broad perspective on

Stresses the attainment of a wide-ranging viewpoint on a topic.

to familiarize oneself with

Highlights the process of becoming acquainted or knowledgeable about something.

to ascertain the basics of

Emphasizes determining and confirming the fundamental aspects of a subject.

to get a feel for

Suggests developing an intuitive understanding through experience or observation.

to understand the general principles of

Focuses on grasping the key underlying rules or concepts.

FAQs

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

You can use "to get a general idea of" to express the intention of understanding something broadly. For example: "I skimmed the report "to get a general idea of" the key findings."

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

Alternatives include "to gain a basic understanding of", "to obtain an overview of", or "to get the gist of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While acceptable, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "to acquire a broad perspective on" or "to understand the general principles of" for enhanced clarity.

What's the difference between "to get a general idea of" and "to have a comprehensive understanding of"?

"To get a general idea of" implies a preliminary or basic grasp, while "to have a comprehensive understanding of" suggests a thorough and detailed knowledge. The former is suitable for initial exploration, the latter for in-depth analysis.