will generally be

USAGE SUMMARY

"will generally be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used as an adverb phrase to indicate a likelihood of something occurring most of the time. For example, "The weather in Melbourne will generally be mild this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Faith organisations will generally be peopled by believers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It more than keeps pace with advancing technology, and new buyers will generally be delighted.

The New York Times - Tech

Yet when the crisis is past, the violin will generally be revealed still singing.

The New York Times - Arts

Firefighters who who drive well during company training will generally be selected for the school.

The New York Times

But such ice will generally be too thin to last through the next summer.

The New York Times - Science

Court staff will generally be supportive and treat you with respect.

The Guardian - Money

First, it will generally be expensive to go anywhere at this busy time.

The Guardian - Travel

Its answers be warned will be optimistic, and will generally be favourable to the United States.

The Economist

But my guess is that wines made in this traditional method will generally be more distinctive.

The New York Times - Food

Under the law, people who go without insurance will generally be subject to tax penalties.

The New York Times

People who have access to affordable coverage from employers will generally be ineligible for subsidies.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will generally be" to express a common expectation or likelihood, but be mindful that it doesn't guarantee a certain outcome in every situation. Add qualifiers if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "will generally be" when you need to express a certainty. This phrase implies a tendency or likelihood, not an absolute guarantee. For a guaranteed outcome, use "will definitely be" or similar phrases that convey certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will generally be" functions as a modal adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, expressing the likelihood or probability of an action or state. Ludwig examples show it is used to soften a statement, indicating a tendency rather than a certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will generally be" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express likelihood or probability. As Ludwig AI points out, it's most often used as an adverb phrase. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Science contexts highlights its broad applicability. While it's a reliable way to frame expectations, it's essential to remember that "generally" implies a tendency, not a certainty. When absolute certainty is required, alternative phrasing should be considered. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "will generally be" in your writing to convey the intended level of probability and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will typically be

Emphasizes that something usually happens in a certain way, highlighting the typical course of events.

will usually be

Indicates a high probability but allows for exceptions, similar to "generally".

is generally

Omits the modal verb "will", focusing on the current state or tendency rather than a future expectation.

is often

Highlights the frequency of an occurrence, suggesting that it happens quite a bit.

will commonly be

Suggests that something is a frequent occurrence or a standard practice.

tends to be

Focuses on a habitual or predictable behavior.

is inclined to be

Suggests a natural predisposition or tendency.

can be expected to be

Highlights the anticipation or expectation of something happening.

is liable to be

Implies a possibility, often with a slightly negative connotation.

is apt to be

Suggests a natural or inherent tendency, similar to "inclined to be".

FAQs

How can I use "will generally be" in a sentence?

Use "will generally be" to indicate what is usually or typically the case. For example, "The weather in July "will generally be" hot and sunny".

What are some alternatives to "will generally be"?

Alternatives include "will typically be", "will usually be", or "tends to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "will generally be" and "will always be"?

"Will generally be" indicates a high probability or common occurrence, whereas "will always be" implies certainty without exception. The former allows for occasional deviations, while the latter does not.

Is "will generally be" formal or informal?

"Will generally be" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles and audiences.