How to use "in general"

What Does "in general" Mean?

• It expresses a degree of generality, approximation, or overall tendency. It suggests a statement is true for the most part, but not necessarily in every specific instance.
• It typically modifies the whole clause or sentence, providing a context or qualification for the statement being made.
• Register: neutral

How to Use It

• Typical sentence positions: initial, mid, and final, though initial is most common and often considered the most natural.
• It modifies the scope of a statement, indicating it's a broad observation rather than a specific detail. It changes the meaning of the sentence by adding a qualification or generalization.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted for emphasis. It's often used with affirmative statements, but can also be used with negation to indicate something is not generally true. It's less common in direct questions, but perfectly acceptable.
• Placing "in general" awkwardly within a clause can sound unnatural. Overusing the phrase in close proximity can also make writing sound repetitive.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from in general on Ludwig.guru.

"In general, the W.E.F." — The New Yorker

"In general, life was good." — The New Yorker

"It's about life in general." — The New York Times - Sports

"What's their worldview in general?" — The New York Times

"Lists, in general, work well." — The New York Times

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/in+general

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
generally	Most direct synonym; interchangeable in many situations, but can also mean "usually".
on the whole	Implies a balanced assessment, considering all aspects.
by and large	Suggests a few exceptions exist, but the statement is mostly true.
for the most part	Similar to "by and large," emphasizing the majority.
as a rule	Implies a common practice or tendency.
typically	Focuses on what is normal or characteristic.
broadly speaking	Introduces a general overview or summary.

Common Mistakes

• A common mistake is to use "generally" instead of "in general" when intending to modify the entire sentence. While often interchangeable, "in general" is preferred to introduce a broad statement.
• Placing "in general" mid-sentence can disrupt the flow if not carefully positioned. It's often best at the beginning or end of the sentence for clarity.
• Overusing "in general" can make writing sound repetitive; consider alternative phrases for variety.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
in general	Indicates a broad or overall statement, a general tendency	Neutral	Initial, but also mid and final

FAQs

Where does "in general" best fit in a sentence?

In general typically functions best at the beginning of a sentence, setting the context for a broad statement. It can also appear mid-sentence, often set off by commas, or at the end, though these positions are less common and require careful placement to avoid awkwardness.

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How does "in general" differ from "generally"?

While often interchangeable, "in general" is often used to introduce a broad statement or summary, modifying the entire clause. "Generally," on the other hand, can also mean "usually" or "in most cases", and can modify a verb or adjective more directly.

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How do I avoid misusing "in general"?

Avoid placing "in general" awkwardly within a clause, as this can disrupt the sentence flow. Also, be mindful not to overuse the phrase, opting for alternative expressions like "by and large" or "on the whole" to maintain variety in your writing.