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A2 adjective #454 most common 17 min read

general

Top 454

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips general in 30 Seconds

Explanation general in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'general' is a word you use to talk about things that are not small or specific. Think of it like a big umbrella that covers many things. When you say 'I have a general idea,' it means you understand the main part of something, but you don't know all the tiny details. It is like looking at a picture from far away. You can see the house and the trees, but you cannot see the leaves on the trees. We use 'general' to describe things that are for everyone, like a 'general store' (though this is an older phrase) or 'general information.' It is a very helpful word when you want to say 'mostly' or 'usually.' For example, if you say 'In general, I like fruit,' it means you like most fruits, like apples and bananas, even if you don't like one specific fruit like durian. It helps you talk about your life without having to list every single thing. It is a 'big' word for 'big' groups of things. You will often see it in the phrase 'in general' at the start of a sentence. This tells the person listening that you are going to say something that is true most of the time. It is a great word to help you start speaking English because it lets you make broad statements easily. Just remember, 'general' is for the whole group, not just one person or one thing. It is a very friendly and useful word for beginners.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'general' to categorize information and describe broad situations. You might hear your teacher say, 'Give me a general summary of the story.' This means they want the main events, not every single word the characters said. 'General' helps you move from simple sentences to more descriptive ones. You can use it to talk about the 'general public,' which means all the people in a town or country. You might also use it in a medical context, like a 'general practitioner' or 'GP.' This is the doctor you see for a cold or a check-up, not a special doctor for your heart. Understanding 'general' at this level also means knowing the phrase 'as a general rule.' This is a very common way to talk about habits or laws that usually happen. For example, 'As a general rule, we don't use phones in class.' This means it's the rule for everyone, most of the time. You are also learning that 'general' is the opposite of 'specific.' If a friend asks for 'general directions' to your house, you might say 'It's near the park,' rather than giving the exact street number and every turn. It is about providing the 'big picture' so that the other person can understand the basic situation. Using 'general' correctly shows that you can think about groups and patterns, which is a big step in learning English.

At the B1 level, 'general' becomes a tool for more nuanced communication, especially in professional or academic settings. You will encounter terms like 'general consensus' or 'general agreement.' These are vital for group work and meetings. If you say, 'The general consensus was to change the meeting time,' you are reporting that most people agreed, even if a few did not. This level of reporting is more sophisticated than just saying 'everyone agreed.' You also start to use 'general' to describe trends and atmospheres. For instance, you might describe the 'general mood' of a city during a festival or the 'general trend' of prices going up. In your writing, you can use 'general' to introduce a topic before you provide specific examples. This is called 'moving from the general to the specific,' and it is a key skill for writing good essays. You might start a paragraph with a 'general statement' like 'Technology has changed our lives in many ways,' and then give specific examples like smartphones and the internet. You should also be comfortable using the adverb 'generally' to modify verbs and adjectives. For example, 'The weather is generally warm in July.' This shows you understand that there might be exceptions, but you are describing the overall pattern. At B1, 'general' is no longer just a simple adjective; it is a way to organize your thoughts and communicate more effectively about the world around you.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'general' with precision and to understand its use in specialized fields. In business, you might discuss 'general overhead costs' or a 'general manager's' responsibilities. In these cases, 'general' refers to things that apply to the whole company rather than a specific department. You should also be aware of 'generalizations'—the act of making a general statement. At this level, you should know that 'over-generalizing' can be a mistake in an argument, as it ignores important details. You might say, 'While that is a good general observation, we must consider the specific data from this year.' This shows a high level of critical thinking. You will also hear 'general' in legal and political contexts, such as 'general elections' or the 'Attorney General.' Understanding these terms is essential for following the news in English-speaking countries. In terms of grammar, you should be able to use 'general' in complex sentence structures, such as 'The general consensus, despite some initial hesitation, was that the merger should proceed.' Here, 'general' is part of a sophisticated noun phrase. You should also be able to distinguish between 'general' and its synonyms like 'broad,' 'widespread,' or 'universal,' choosing the one that best fits the intensity and scope of your message. At B2, 'general' is a versatile word that helps you navigate complex professional and social environments with confidence.

At the C1 level, your use of 'general' should reflect a deep understanding of its abstract and formal applications. You will use it to discuss 'general principles' of philosophy, law, or science—the foundational rules that govern a whole system. For example, you might analyze the 'general theory of relativity' or the 'general principles of international law.' In these contexts, 'general' implies a high level of abstraction and universality. You should also be comfortable using 'general' in the context of 'generalities.' A speaker might be accused of 'dealing in generalities' if they are being intentionally vague to avoid a difficult question. Being able to recognize and use this nuance is a hallmark of advanced English. In academic writing, you will use 'general' to define the scope of your research, perhaps by providing a 'general framework' or a 'general overview' of the existing literature. You should also be adept at using 'general' in idiomatic and fixed expressions, such as 'in general terms' or 'for general consumption.' These phrases add a layer of professional polish to your communication. Furthermore, you should understand the subtle difference between 'general' and 'generic' in technical fields, such as linguistics or biology, where they might have very specific, non-interchangeable meanings. At C1, 'general' is a word that allows you to operate at a high level of abstraction, synthesizing complex information into clear, broad concepts while still acknowledging the underlying details.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'general' and its entire semantic field. You can use it to navigate the most complex linguistic situations with ease. You might use 'general' to describe the 'general will' in a political science essay, referencing Rousseau's philosophical concept of the collective interest of the people. Or, you might discuss the 'generalizability' of a scientific study—the extent to which its findings can be applied to the population at large. This level of usage requires not just knowing the word, but understanding the deep theoretical concepts it represents. You are also skilled at using 'general' to create rhetorical effects. For instance, you might use a 'general truth' to anchor a persuasive speech before pivoting to a specific, controversial point. Your understanding of the word extends to its most formal and archaic uses, as well as its modern slang or idiomatic variations. You can distinguish between the 'general' as an adjective and the 'general' as a noun in all contexts, including military, religious (e.g., 'General of the Jesuits'), and administrative roles. In your writing, you use 'general' and its derivatives to create a sophisticated rhythm and flow, moving effortlessly between broad abstractions and minute details. You understand that 'general' is not just a descriptor of scope, but a fundamental category of human thought that allows us to organize the infinite complexity of the universe into manageable, shareable concepts. At C2, 'general' is a tool of precision, used to define the very boundaries of knowledge and communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

general in 30 Seconds

General describes things that are broad, widespread, and apply to the majority of a group rather than focusing on specific, individual details or exceptions.
It is commonly used in phrases like 'general public,' 'general consensus,' and 'in general' to indicate an overall trend or a shared characteristic among many.
In professional fields, it denotes a lack of specialization, such as a 'general practitioner' in medicine or a 'general manager' in a business environment.
The word functions as the opposite of 'specific' or 'particular,' helping speakers and writers provide a big-picture overview before diving into more granular information.

The word general is a foundational pillar of the English language, serving as a primary descriptor for things that lack specificity or are shared by a broad group. At its core, 'general' functions as the opposite of 'specific' or 'particular.' When we speak of something in a general sense, we are looking at the big picture, the overarching themes, or the majority of a population rather than focusing on the minute, granular details that distinguish one individual component from another. This word is indispensable in academic, professional, and daily contexts because it allows us to make observations about the world without being bogged down by exceptions or unique cases. For instance, a 'general rule' is one that applies in most situations, even if there are rare moments where it does not hold true. In the realm of human interaction, a 'general consensus' suggests that while not every single person might agree, the vast majority do, allowing a group to move forward with a shared purpose. The versatility of 'general' is seen in how it transitions from describing a broad feeling—like a 'general sense of unease'—to formal structures, such as 'general education,' which provides a wide base of knowledge before a student specializes in a specific major. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it is not a sign of vagueness or laziness, but rather a tool for synthesis and broad categorization.

Scope of Application: The term is used to describe things that affect the whole of something rather than just a part. In a corporate setting, a 'general manager' oversees the entire operation rather than just one department like marketing or accounting.

The general public is invited to attend the opening ceremony of the new city park this Saturday.

Furthermore, 'general' is used to describe a lack of detail that is intentional. If someone asks for a 'general description' of a suspect, they aren't looking for the exact measurement of their earlobes; they want to know the height, build, and hair color—the features that would allow anyone to recognize the person in a crowd. This level of abstraction is vital for communication efficiency. If we were always specific, our sentences would be miles long. By using 'general,' we signal to the listener that we are providing the essential essence of a topic. In medical terms, a 'general practitioner' is a doctor who treats all types of common illnesses and looks at the patient's health as a whole, rather than focusing solely on the heart or the skin. This holistic approach is the essence of the word. It is about the 'genus'—the kind or class—rather than the 'species' or the individual. When you use this word, you are inviting your audience to step back and look at the forest rather than the individual trees. It is a word of inclusion, of broad strokes, and of foundational understanding that precedes specialization.

There is a general trend toward remote work in the technology sector lately.

Historical Context: Derived from the Latin 'generalis,' meaning 'pertaining to all,' it has consistently maintained its meaning of universality throughout the centuries.

The professor gave a general overview of the Renaissance before diving into specific artists like Da Vinci.

In everyday conversation, 'general' often appears in the phrase 'in general.' This functions as a qualifier, similar to 'usually' or 'mostly.' When you say, 'In general, I like spicy food,' you are admitting that there might be specific spicy dishes you dislike, but your overall preference leans toward heat. This nuance is important for social grace; it allows for flexibility and prevents one from sounding too rigid or absolute. It also appears in the context of 'general knowledge,' referring to information that is available to and known by most people, such as the fact that the Earth revolves around the Sun. This shared pool of information is what allows society to function and communicate effectively. Without 'general' concepts, every conversation would require a massive amount of introductory explanation. Therefore, 'general' is not just a word; it is a cognitive shortcut that facilitates human connection and collective understanding.

The general atmosphere of the meeting was quite positive and productive.

Common Collocation: 'General consensus' is one of the most frequent pairings, used to describe a majority agreement in professional settings.

We need to reach a general agreement on the budget before the end of the day.

Using the word general correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective that modifies nouns to indicate a lack of specific focus or a broad application. Most commonly, it precedes the noun it describes. For example, in the phrase 'general principles,' the word 'general' tells us that these principles are broad and apply to many different situations. When you are constructing a sentence, you should ask yourself if you are referring to the whole group or a specific subset. If it is the whole or the majority, 'general' is your best choice. It is also frequently used in the prepositional phrase 'in general,' which usually appears at the beginning or end of a sentence to set the tone for a broad statement. For instance, 'In general, cats are independent animals.' Here, 'in general' acts as a modifier for the entire claim, acknowledging that while some cats might be needy, the broad characteristic of the species is independence.

Placement in Sentences: As an adjective, it typically comes before the noun: 'general assembly,' 'general idea,' 'general health.' It can also follow a linking verb: 'The instructions were too general.'

The report provides a general summary of the project's progress over the last six months.

Another sophisticated way to use 'general' is in the context of 'generalizations.' While 'general' is an adjective, it is the root of the verb 'generalize.' In writing, you might say, 'It is difficult to make a general statement about such a diverse group.' This highlights the speaker's awareness of complexity while still attempting to find common ground. In academic writing, 'general' is often paired with words like 'framework,' 'theory,' or 'observations.' For example, 'The general framework of the study is based on social constructivism.' This tells the reader the broad perspective the author is taking before they get into the specific data points. It is a way of orienting the reader, providing a map of the territory before exploring the individual paths. Using 'general' effectively means knowing when to zoom out. If your writing is too specific, the reader might lose the main point; if it is too general, they might find it vague. The balance is key.

Could you give me a general idea of how much the repairs will cost?

Contrastive Usage: Pairing 'general' with 'specific' in the same sentence can create a clear contrast: 'We have a general plan, but we lack specific details.'

The general consensus among the staff is that the new policy is a step in the right direction.

In more formal or technical contexts, 'general' can describe something that is not specialized. For instance, 'general anesthesia' affects the whole body and causes a loss of consciousness, whereas 'local anesthesia' only affects a specific area. This distinction is crucial in fields like medicine and law. In law, 'general damages' refer to money awarded for things that cannot be easily calculated, like pain and suffering, as opposed to 'special damages' for specific medical bills. When you use 'general' in these ways, you are signaling a broad scope of effect. In your own sentences, try to use 'general' when you want to describe an overall mood, a broad trend, or a shared characteristic. It is a word that provides context and sets the stage for more detailed information to follow. By mastering its use, you can guide your listener or reader from the big picture down to the specifics with ease and clarity.

Despite the specific problems, the general health of the economy remains strong.

Grammar Tip: Remember that 'general' is an adjective, but 'generally' is the adverb. Use 'general' to describe things and 'generally' to describe actions.

The general trend in fashion this year seems to be a return to 1990s styles.

The word general is ubiquitous in the English-speaking world, appearing in news broadcasts, medical offices, political speeches, and casual coffee shop conversations. In the news, you will frequently hear about 'general elections.' This is a specific type of election where all or most members of a given political body are chosen, as opposed to a 'by-election' or a 'primary.' The use of 'general' here emphasizes the nationwide or region-wide scale of the event. Similarly, news anchors often speak about the 'general public's reaction' to a new law or event. This phrase is used to represent the collective voice of the average citizen, distinguishing it from the opinions of experts or special interest groups. Hearing 'general' in these contexts reminds the listener that the topic at hand has a broad impact on society as a whole.

In the Workplace: You'll hear it in titles like 'General Manager' or 'General Counsel,' indicating a role with broad responsibilities across many departments.

The general consensus among the board members was to delay the product launch.

In a medical setting, 'general' is a word you might hear before a surgery. A nurse might explain that you will be put under 'general anesthesia.' This is a vital distinction for a patient to understand, as it means they will be completely unconscious, unlike 'local' or 'regional' anesthesia where they might remain awake. You also visit a 'General Practitioner' (GP) for your yearly check-up. The GP is the first line of defense in healthcare, possessing a 'general' knowledge of many medical issues rather than a 'specialized' focus on just one organ system. This usage highlights the word's meaning of being 'all-encompassing' or 'non-specialized.' When you hear 'general' in a hospital, it usually refers to the broad application of care or the broad nature of a doctor's expertise.

I need to make an appointment with my general practitioner for a routine physical exam.

In Education: Students often take 'general education' courses, which cover a wide range of subjects like history, math, and science to provide a well-rounded base.

The university requires all freshmen to complete their general education requirements before specializing.

In casual conversation, 'general' is often used to manage expectations. If a friend asks how your new job is going, you might say, 'In general, it's great, but the commute is long.' Here, 'general' allows you to give an overall positive review while still acknowledging a specific negative detail. It’s a way of being honest without being overly focused on one small part of the experience. You might also hear it in the phrase 'general idea.' If someone is explaining a complex movie plot, you might interrupt and say, 'Okay, I get the general idea,' meaning you understand the main points even if you don't know every character's name. This usage is very common in collaborative environments where people need to align on the 'big picture' before moving into the 'nitty-gritty' details of a project. Whether in a high-stakes boardroom or a relaxed living room, 'general' is the word we use to find common ground and broad understanding.

The general feeling in the room was one of excitement and anticipation for the announcement.

In Legal Contexts: The 'Attorney General' is the top legal officer in a state or country, responsible for 'general' legal matters affecting the whole jurisdiction.

The general terms and conditions of the contract are listed on the final page of the document.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word general is confusing it with the word 'generic.' While they are related, they have distinct meanings. 'General' means broad or affecting most things, whereas 'generic' often refers to something that lacks a brand name or is a standard, unexciting version of something. For example, you might have a 'general interest' in music, but you buy 'generic' cereal at the grocery store. Using 'generic' when you mean 'general' can make your sentence sound like you are criticizing something for being boring or cheap, rather than just describing its broad scope. Another common error is using 'general' when 'common' or 'usual' would be more natural. While 'general' describes the scope, 'common' describes the frequency. You might say it is a 'common mistake,' but you would say the 'general consensus' is that the mistake was avoidable.

General vs. Generic: 'General' = Broad scope (e.g., general knowledge). 'Generic' = No brand or characteristic features (e.g., generic medicine).

Incorrect: I have a generic idea for a book. Correct: I have a general idea for a book.

Another area of confusion involves the adverb form, 'generally.' Many students use 'general' as an adverb, saying things like 'I general go to the gym on Mondays.' This is grammatically incorrect. 'General' is an adjective and must modify a noun. To describe an action or a whole sentence, you must use 'generally.' Conversely, some people use 'generally' when they should use 'in general.' While they are often interchangeable, 'in general' often feels more natural at the end of a sentence. For example, 'I like movies in general' sounds better than 'I like movies generally' in many casual contexts. Furthermore, be careful with the phrase 'general public.' It is often redundant to say 'the general public of people,' as 'public' already implies people. Simply saying 'the general public' is sufficient and more professional.

Incorrect: The general agreed that the plan was good. Correct: The general consensus was that the plan was good.

Over-Generalization: Avoid using 'general' to mask a lack of knowledge. If you can be specific, be specific. Using 'general' too much can make your writing seem vague.

Incorrect: He gave a general of the story. Correct: He gave a general summary of the story.

Finally, watch out for the noun 'general' (the military rank). While the adjective and noun are spelled the same, they function very differently in a sentence. If you say 'The general was happy,' you are talking about a person. If you say 'The general mood was happy,' you are using the adjective to describe the atmosphere. Confusing these two can lead to humorous or confusing sentences, especially in historical or military writing. Additionally, in British English, 'general' is sometimes used in 'General Delivery' (known as 'Poste Restante' in other places), which is a service where the post office holds mail for someone. In American English, this is less common but still exists. Being aware of these small regional and grammatical nuances will help you use 'general' with the precision of a native speaker, even when you are being intentionally broad.

Incorrect: I have a general for you. Correct: I have a general question for you.

Spelling Check: Ensure you don't confuse 'general' with 'gentle.' They sound slightly similar but 'gentle' means kind or soft, while 'general' means broad.

The general direction of the project is clear, even if the specific steps are not.

While general is a fantastic all-purpose word, your writing and speaking can benefit from using more specific synonyms depending on the context. If you are talking about something that covers the entire world or every single person, 'universal' is a much stronger choice. 'Universal' implies that there are no exceptions whatsoever, whereas 'general' suggests there might be a few. For example, 'universal human rights' sounds more powerful than 'general human rights.' If you are describing something that is spread over a wide area, 'widespread' is a great alternative. You might say there is 'widespread concern' about climate change, which gives a sense of geographical or demographic breadth that 'general concern' lacks. Using these alternatives shows a higher level of vocabulary mastery and allows you to be more precise even when describing broad concepts.

General vs. Universal: 'General' means 'most' or 'broadly.' 'Universal' means 'every single one' or 'everywhere.' Use 'universal' for laws of nature or absolute truths.

The general consensus was clear, but it wasn't a universal agreement; two people still disagreed.

Another useful synonym is 'overall.' This is particularly common in business and data analysis. Instead of saying 'the general performance was good,' you might say 'the overall performance was good.' 'Overall' implies a summation of all the parts, which is slightly different from 'general,' which implies a broad characteristic. 'Broad' itself is a very close synonym and is often used interchangeably with 'general,' especially when describing categories or descriptions. A 'broad outline' and a 'general outline' mean almost the same thing, though 'broad' can sometimes feel more visual. If you are talking about something that is common or typical, you might use 'prevalent.' For instance, 'The general view' could be replaced by 'The prevalent view' if that view is very common in a specific culture or time period. Choosing the right synonym helps you paint a clearer picture for your audience.

The overall impact of the new law has been positive for small businesses.

General vs. Generic: 'General' is about scope. 'Generic' is about lack of brand or specific character. Don't call a 'general idea' a 'generic idea' unless you think it's unoriginal.

We need a broad range of opinions before we make a final decision on the project.

In academic or scientific writing, you might encounter 'generic' as a synonym for 'general' in a very specific way—referring to a whole genus or group. However, in most contexts, 'generic' has a slightly negative connotation of being 'plain' or 'standard.' If you want to say something is not specific, 'non-specific' is a very clear, albeit clinical, alternative. For example, 'non-specific symptoms' are those that could point to many different illnesses. Lastly, 'collective' is a great word when you want to emphasize that the 'general' nature comes from a group of individuals acting together. A 'collective effort' is more descriptive than a 'general effort.' By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'general,' you can express the nuances of scope, frequency, and totality with much greater precision and impact.

The collective wisdom of the group led to a much better solution than any individual could have found.

Summary of Alternatives: Universal (no exceptions), Widespread (geographically broad), Overall (sum of parts), Prevalent (common), Collective (group-based).

The prevalent attitude toward the new technology is one of cautious optimism.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The military rank 'General' actually started as an adjective in the phrase 'Captain General,' meaning the captain who has general (overall) command of the whole army.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʒɛn.ər.əl/

US /ˈdʒɛn.rəl/

The stress is on the first syllable: GEN-er-al.

Rhymes With

federal ephemeral numeral peripheral visceral literal lateral bilateral

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'gen-er-AHL' (stressing the last syllable).
Confusing the 'g' sound with a 'k' sound.
Adding an extra 'i' sound, like 'gen-er-i-al.'
Making the 'er' sound too long and clear.
Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like 'goat') instead of a soft 'j' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts as it appears frequently in common phrases.

Writing 3/5

Requires care to avoid being too vague or confusing it with 'generic.'

Speaking 2/5

Very useful for making broad statements and managing conversations.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in news, medicine, and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

all most big idea rule

Learn Next

specific particular universal broad consensus

Advanced

generalizability obfuscate granular abstract synthesis

Grammar to Know

Adjective Order

A big general meeting (Size + Scope).

Adverb Formation

General -> Generally (Add -ly to the adjective).

Prepositional Phrases

In general (Used as an introductory or concluding phrase).

Noun Phrases

The general public (Article + Adjective + Noun).

Capitalization of Titles

Attorney General (Both words capitalized as a formal title).

Examples by Level

I have a general idea for the party.

I know the main things about the party.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'idea'.

In general, I like to eat apples.

Most of the time, I like apples.

Prepositional phrase 'In general' at the start.

This is a general store for the village.

A shop that sells many different things.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'store'.

The general rule is to be quiet in the library.

Everyone should be quiet.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'rule'.

Can you give me a general description of the cat?

Tell me the main things about the cat.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'description'.

The general public likes this music.

Most people like this music.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'public'.

I need some general information about the school.

I want to know the main things about the school.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'information'.

Is this for general use?

Can everyone use this?

Adjective 'general' before noun 'use'.

The general practitioner told me to rest.

The family doctor gave me advice.

Compound noun 'general practitioner'.

We need a general agreement on the movie.

Most of us should agree on which movie to watch.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'agreement'.

As a general rule, we eat dinner at 7 PM.

Usually, we eat at 7.

Fixed phrase 'As a general rule'.

The general mood of the class was happy.

Most students felt happy.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'mood'.

The book gives a general overview of history.

The book tells the main parts of history.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'overview'.

There is a general trend of people moving to the city.

Many people are moving to the city.

Adjective 'general' before noun 'trend'.

The instructions were too general and hard to follow.

The instructions were not specific enough.

Adjective 'general' used as a complement after 'were'.

The general assembly will meet tomorrow morning.

The big meeting of everyone will happen tomorrow.

Formal noun phrase 'general assembly'.

The general consensus was that the project needed more time.

Most people agreed that more time was necessary.

Common collocation 'general consensus'.

In general, the new law has been well-received by the public.

Overall, people like the new law.

Adverbial phrase 'In general' modifying the whole sentence.

The general health of the population is improving.

Most people are becoming healthier.

Adjective 'general' modifying 'health'.

He made a general statement about the importance of education.

He spoke broadly about why school matters.

Adjective 'general' before 'statement'.

The general direction of the company is toward sustainability.

The company's main goal is to be green.

Adjective 'general' before 'direction'.

We need to reach a general understanding before we sign the contract.

We must agree on the main points first.

Adjective 'general' before 'understanding'.

The general feeling among the staff is one of uncertainty.

Most employees are feeling unsure.

Adjective 'general' before 'feeling'.

The general manager is responsible for the entire store.

The top boss looks after everything.

Job title 'general manager'.

The general election will determine the country's future for the next four years.

The nationwide vote is very important.

Political term 'general election'.

The patient was placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery.

The patient was made completely unconscious.

Medical term 'general anesthesia'.

It is dangerous to make a general assumption about a whole group of people.

Don't think everyone in a group is the same.

Adjective 'general' before 'assumption'.

The general framework of the agreement has been finalized.

The main structure of the deal is finished.

Adjective 'general' before 'framework'.

The general public's interest in the case has begun to wane.

People are starting to lose interest.

Possessive phrase 'general public's'.

The report provides a general summary, but the appendices contain the specific data.

The main part is broad, but the back has the details.

Contrast between 'general summary' and 'specific data'.

The general consensus, while not unanimous, was sufficient to move forward.

Most people agreed, so they could continue.

Parenthetical phrase 'while not unanimous' modifying 'general consensus'.

The Attorney General is reviewing the legality of the new policy.

The top lawyer is checking the new rule.

Formal title 'Attorney General'.

The general principles of justice must be applied to every case, regardless of its complexity.

The basic rules of fairness are for everyone.

Abstract noun phrase 'general principles of justice'.

The politician was criticized for speaking in generalities rather than providing concrete solutions.

He was too vague and didn't give real answers.

Noun 'generalities' referring to vague statements.

The general theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time.

Einstein's big theory changed science.

Scientific proper noun 'General Theory of Relativity'.

There is a general sense of malaise in the industry following the recent economic downturn.

Most people in the business feel unhappy or stuck.

Sophisticated phrase 'general sense of malaise'.

The general applicability of the findings is limited by the small sample size of the study.

The results might not be true for everyone.

Noun 'applicability' modified by adjective 'general'.

The general consensus among scholars is that the manuscript dates back to the 12th century.

Most experts agree on the age of the book.

Academic collocation 'general consensus among scholars'.

The general terms of the contract are standard, but the specific clauses are negotiable.

The broad parts are normal, but the details can change.

Contrast between 'general terms' and 'specific clauses'.

The general will of the people must be the foundation of any democratic society.

What most people want should be the basis of the country.

Philosophical concept 'general will'.

The generalities of the legal framework often obfuscate the granular nuances of individual cases.

The broad rules can hide the small, important details.

Plural noun 'generalities' contrasted with 'granular nuances'.

The generalizability of the research is compromised by the lack of diversity in the participant pool.

The study's results cannot be applied to everyone because the group was too similar.

Technical noun 'generalizability'.

The General of the Order issued a decree that affected every monastery in the region.

The top leader of the religious group made a big rule.

Noun 'General' used as a high-ranking title.

The general tenor of the debate was surprisingly civil, despite the contentious nature of the topic.

The overall feeling of the argument was polite.

Sophisticated phrase 'general tenor'.

The general principles of international law are often difficult to enforce in practice.

The broad rules for countries are hard to make people follow.

Abstract noun phrase 'general principles of international law'.

The author avoids the trap of over-generalization by grounding his theories in specific ethnographic data.

The writer doesn't make broad, false claims because he uses real examples.

Noun 'over-generalization'.

The general consensus, though hard-won, provided a stable foundation for the subsequent negotiations.

The majority agreement was difficult to get but very helpful.

Adjective 'general' in a complex, multi-clause sentence.

The general public's perception of the risk is often at odds with the actual statistical probability.

What people think is dangerous is often different from the real facts.

Complex noun phrase 'general public's perception'.

Synonyms

broad universal common widespread overall basic

Antonyms

specific particular detailed

Common Collocations

general consensus

general public

general practitioner

general election

general knowledge

general idea

general trend

general rule

general summary

general assembly

Common Phrases

in general

— Usually or mostly; considering the whole rather than the details.

In general, I prefer tea to coffee.

as a general rule

— Something that is usually true or should usually be done.

As a general rule, we don't allow pets in the office.

for general consumption

— Intended for the public to see, hear, or read; not private.

The report was edited for general consumption.

general terms

— Describing something in a broad way without using technical details.

Can you explain the plan in general terms?

general feeling

— The overall mood or opinion of a group of people.

The general feeling was one of excitement.

general health

— The overall condition of someone's body and mind.

Exercise is important for your general health.

general purpose

— Something that can be used for many different things.

This is a general purpose cleaner.

general direction

— The broad way in which something is moving or developing.

We are heading in the general direction of the city.

general overview

— A short description of the main parts of something.

The teacher gave a general overview of the lesson.

general agreement

— When most people in a group think the same way.

There was general agreement that the price was too high.

Often Confused With

general vs generic

Generic means 'no brand' or 'plain,' while general means 'broad' or 'for most.'

general vs gentle

Gentle means 'kind' or 'soft,' which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

general vs generous

Generous means 'giving' or 'kind,' related to the same root but used for personality.

Idioms & Expressions

"deal in generalities"

— To talk in a vague way without giving specific details or facts.

The politician was accused of dealing in generalities during the debate.

formal

"cavalier general"

— An old-fashioned or rare term for a leader who is bold but perhaps careless.

He acted like a cavalier general, leading the team without a clear plan.

literary

"general of the army"

— The highest possible rank in some militaries, used metaphorically for a top leader.

In the world of tech, he is the general of the army.

metaphorical

"glittering generalities"

— Vague words or phrases used to evoke positive emotions without giving information.

The advertisement was full of glittering generalities like 'freedom' and 'justice.'

rhetorical

"general of all trades"

— A variation of 'jack of all trades,' meaning someone who can do many things broadly.

She's a general of all trades in the office, helping everyone with everything.

informal

"in the general run of things"

— In the normal course of events; usually.

In the general run of things, we don't have many problems with the software.

neutral

"general of the kitchen"

— A humorous way to describe someone who is very bossy while cooking.

My grandmother is the general of the kitchen during Thanksgiving.

informal

"broad and general"

— Used to emphasize that something lacks any specific detail whatsoever.

The instructions were broad and general, leaving us confused.

neutral

"general consensus of opinion"

— A slightly redundant but common way to say most people agree.

The general consensus of opinion was that the party was a success.

neutral

"to the general"

— An archaic phrase meaning 'to the public' or 'to everyone.'

He made his views known to the general.

archaic

Easily Confused

general vs generic

They share the same root and sound similar.

General refers to the scope of something (broad), while generic refers to the lack of a specific brand or unique characteristic.

He has a general interest in medicine, but he only buys generic drugs.

general vs universal

Both mean 'applying to many.'

General means 'most' or 'broadly,' while universal means 'every single one' with no exceptions.

A general rule has exceptions; a universal law of nature does not.

general vs common

Both describe things that aren't unique.

General describes the range or scope, while common describes how often something happens or how many people have it.

A general consensus is a broad agreement; a common cold is an illness many people get.

general vs overall

Both describe the 'big picture.'

Overall refers to the total sum of all parts, while general refers to a broad characteristic that applies to most parts.

The overall cost was $100; the general feeling was that it was expensive.

general vs broad

They are almost exact synonyms.

Broad is often used for physical width or a wide range of topics, while general is more common for rules, consensus, and non-specialization.

He has broad shoulders and a general knowledge of sports.

Sentence Patterns

I have a general [noun].

I have a general plan.

As a general rule, [sentence].

As a general rule, I sleep eight hours.

In general, [sentence].

In general, the food here is great.

The general consensus was [noun/clause].

The general consensus was to wait.

A general overview of [noun] reveals [clause].

A general overview of the data reveals a trend.

The generalities of [noun] often [verb] [noun].

The generalities of the law often confuse people.

The general [noun] is [adjective].

The general mood is positive.

This is for general [noun].

This is for general use.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 1000 words in English.

Common Mistakes

I general go to the gym. → I generally go to the gym.
You must use the adverb 'generally' to describe the action of going. 'General' is an adjective.
He gave a generic overview of the book. → He gave a general overview of the book.
'Generic' implies the overview was boring or standard. 'General' just means it covered the main points.
The general of the class was happy. → The general mood of the class was happy.
'General' is an adjective here and needs a noun like 'mood' or 'feeling' to describe.
This is a universal rule, but there are exceptions. → This is a general rule, but there are exceptions.
'Universal' means there are NO exceptions. If there are exceptions, it is a 'general' rule.
I have a gentle idea of what to do. → I have a general idea of what to do.
'Gentle' means kind or soft. 'General' means broad. They sound similar but are very different.

Tips

Start Broad

In writing, always start with a general statement to give your reader context before you dive into the specific details.

Learn Collocations

Don't just learn 'general' alone. Learn it with its friends: 'general public,' 'general consensus,' and 'general rule.'

Adjective vs. Adverb

Remember: 'General' describes a thing (noun), while 'Generally' describes an action (verb).

The Silent 'E'

In fast speech, the middle 'e' in 'general' is often silent. Try saying 'GEN-ruhl' to sound more like a native speaker.

Avoid Overuse

If you use 'general' too many times in one paragraph, try using synonyms like 'broad,' 'overall,' or 'widespread.'

Be Polite

Use 'in general' to make your opinions sound less aggressive. It shows you know there are other points of view.

Job Titles

Always capitalize 'General' when it's part of a formal job title like 'General Manager' or 'Attorney General.'

The Framework

Use 'general framework' to describe the basic structure of your research or argument.

Scale Matters

Use 'general' for things that affect a whole group, and 'universal' for things that affect every single person in the world.

Check for Vague

If someone asks for 'specifics,' it means your 'general' explanation wasn't enough. Be ready to give details!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'General' in the army. He doesn't just look after one soldier; he looks after the 'general' (whole) army. 'General' is for the 'whole' group.

Visual Association

Imagine a big umbrella covering a large group of people. The umbrella is 'general' because it covers everyone, not just one person.

Word Web

broad public overall consensus manager practitioner election rule

Challenge

Try to use the word 'general' in three different ways today: once to describe a mood, once to describe a rule, and once in the phrase 'in general.'

Word Origin

The word 'general' comes from the Old French word 'general,' which in turn comes from the Latin 'generalis.' The Latin root 'genus' means 'kind,' 'type,' or 'race.' It has been used in English since the 14th century.

Original meaning: In Latin, 'generalis' meant 'pertaining to all' or 'belonging to a whole race or class.' It was the opposite of 'specialis' (special).

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Romance -> English.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to 'over-generalize' about cultures or groups of people, as this can lead to stereotyping.

The 'General Practitioner' is the backbone of the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

The UN General Assembly (International organization) The General Theory of Relativity by Albert Einstein General Motors (Famous American company)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical

general practitioner
general anesthesia
general health
general hospital

Business

general manager
general ledger
general meeting
general overhead

Politics

general election
general assembly
attorney general
general public

Academic

general theory
general principles
general overview
general education

Daily Life

in general
general idea
general rule
general mood

Conversation Starters

"In general, what do you think is the most important quality in a friend?"

"Do you have a general idea of what you want to do for your next vacation?"

"What is the general consensus in your country about working from home?"

"As a general rule, do you prefer to plan your day or go with the flow?"

"What is your general impression of the city you are living in right now?"

Journal Prompts

Describe the general mood of your life over the past month. What broad trends have you noticed?

Write about a general rule you live by. Why is this rule important to you and how does it help you?

Think about a complex topic you are interested in. Try to explain the general idea of it in simple terms.

Reflect on the general public's reaction to a recent news event. Do you agree with the consensus?

What are some general principles that you think every person should follow to be happy?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! As an adjective, it means 'broad' (e.g., a general idea). As a noun, it refers to a high-ranking military officer. In this context, we are focusing on its use as an adjective.

'General' is an adjective used to describe a noun (e.g., a general rule). 'Generally' is an adverb used to describe a verb or a whole sentence (e.g., I generally wake up early).

No, that sounds like a military leader. If you mean 'most people,' you should say 'the general public' or 'the majority of people.'

Use 'in general' when you want to make a broad statement that is true most of the time, but might have some exceptions. It's great for starting a sentence.

Technically, 'consensus' already means a general agreement, so some people think 'general consensus' is redundant. However, it is extremely common and widely accepted in professional English.

A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who treats all types of common medical conditions and does not specialize in just one area of medicine.

Use it to introduce broad themes or frameworks before you provide specific evidence. For example: 'The general trend in the 19th century was toward industrialization.'

Not exactly. 'Generic' often means something is plain or lacks a brand name. 'General' means it covers a wide area or group. Be careful not to mix them up!

A general election is a nationwide vote where people choose their representatives for the main government body, like a parliament or congress.

Yes, if someone says 'Your answer was too general,' they mean it lacked the specific details they were looking for.