Generally vs General: How Are These Words Connected?

When it comes to the English language, there are often words that sound similar but have different meanings. One such pair is “generally” and “general.” While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct definitions and uses.

So which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. “Generally” is an adverb that means “usually” or “in most cases.” For example, “I generally eat breakfast at 7am.” On the other hand, “general” is an adjective that means “relating to all or most people or things.” For example, “The general consensus was that the movie was great.”

Now that we know the difference between the two, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and how they are used in various contexts.

Define Generally

Generally is an adverb that means in a general or overall manner, without going into specifics or details. It is often used to describe something that is true or applicable in most cases, but not necessarily all. For example, “Generally, people prefer sunny weather over rainy weather.”

Additionally, generally can also be used to indicate a tendency or habit. For instance, “He generally wakes up at 6 am every day.”

Define General

General is an adjective that describes something that is broad, universal, or applicable to a wide range of things. It can also refer to a high-level or overall view or concept. For example, “The general consensus is that exercise is good for your health.”

In a military context, general can also be used as a noun to refer to a high-ranking officer who commands a large group of soldiers. For instance, “General Smith led the troops into battle.”

Differences between generally and general

Generally	General
Adverb	Adjective or Noun
Describes an overall or universal manner	Describes something broad or high-level
Indicates a tendency or habit	Can refer to a military rank

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words can make all the difference. Two words that are often confused are “generally” and “general”. While they may seem similar, they have different meanings and uses. In this article, we will explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Generally” In A Sentence

“Generally” is an adverb that means “usually” or “in most cases”. It is used to describe something that is true for the most part, but not always. Here are some examples:

• Generally, people prefer to sleep at night and be awake during the day.
• The weather in this city is generally mild, but it can get very hot in the summer.
• Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid eating too much sugar if you want to maintain a healthy diet.

As you can see from these examples, “generally” is used to describe something that is true for the most part, but there may be exceptions.

How To Use “General” In A Sentence

“General” is an adjective that means “relating to or affecting all people or things in a group”. It is used to describe something that is broad or not specific. Here are some examples:

• The general consensus among the group was that the project needed more work.
• She gave me a general idea of what to expect, but didn’t go into too much detail.
• The general public is invited to attend the event.

As you can see from these examples, “general” is used to describe something that applies to all people or things in a group, and is not specific to any one individual or thing.

More Examples Of Generally & General Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between generally and general, it is important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how these words are used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Generally In A Sentence

• Generally speaking, I prefer tea over coffee.
• He generally arrives at work before 8am.
• She generally enjoys reading books about history.
• It is generally believed that exercise is good for your health.
• Generally, people tend to be more productive in the morning.
• They generally go on vacation during the summer months.
• Generally, it’s best to avoid eating too much sugar.
• He generally wears a suit and tie to work.
• She generally likes to listen to classical music.
• Generally, the weather in this area is mild and sunny.

Examples Of Using General In A Sentence

• The general consensus is that the project was a success.
• He has a general understanding of how the software works.
• She is a general practitioner and sees patients for a variety of ailments.
• The general idea behind the plan is to increase revenue.
• He was promoted to the rank of general in the army.
• She has a general interest in art and enjoys visiting museums.
• The general manager of the company oversees all operations.
• He made a general statement about the importance of teamwork.
• The general population is becoming more health-conscious.
• She has a general sense of what she wants to do with her life.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using the words “generally” and “general” interchangeably is a common mistake that people make when writing. While these two words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and why they are incorrect:

Mistake #1: Using “Generally” To Mean “General”

One common mistake is using “generally” to mean “general.” For example, someone might say “I have a generally idea of what I want to do.” However, this is incorrect because “generally” means “in most cases” or “usually,” while “general” means “not specific” or “broad.” The correct way to say this would be “I have a general idea of what I want to do.”

Mistake #2: Using “General” To Mean “Generally”

Another mistake is using “general” to mean “generally.” For example, someone might say “I generally like to eat pizza.” However, this is incorrect because “general” means “not specific” or “broad,” while “generally” means “in most cases” or “usually.” The correct way to say this would be “I like to eat pizza in general.”

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Remember that “generally” means “in most cases” or “usually,” while “general” means “not specific” or “broad.”
• Be aware of the context in which you are using these words and make sure they are being used correctly.
• If you are unsure about which word to use, look up the definitions or ask someone for clarification.

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between “generally” and “general,” context matters. Both words have similar meanings, but their usage can vary depending on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you choose the right one for your writing.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between “generally” and “general” might change:

Context	Example	Appropriate Word Choice
When discussing broad topics or ideas	Generally, people prefer dogs to cats.	“Generally” is the appropriate word choice here because it refers to a broad idea or concept.
When discussing specific details or facts	The general consensus is that the earth is round.	“General” is the appropriate word choice here because it refers to a specific fact or detail.
When discussing an overall trend or pattern	Generally, crime rates have been decreasing over the past decade.	“Generally” is the appropriate word choice here because it refers to an overall trend or pattern.
When discussing a specific instance or situation	The general feeling in the room was one of excitement.	“General” is the appropriate word choice here because it refers to a specific instance or situation.

As you can see, the choice between “generally” and “general” can depend on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the appropriate word for your writing and effectively convey your message to your audience.

Exceptions To The Rules

While generally and general have specific rules for usage, there are always exceptions to the rules. Here are some instances where the rules might not apply:

1. General As A Noun

When used as a noun, general does not follow the same rules as generally. In this case, general refers to a high-ranking military officer or a leader of a group. For example:

• The general led the troops into battle.
• The general manager of the company made the decision.

2. Generally As An Adjective

While generally is typically used as an adverb, it can also be used as an adjective in certain contexts. In these cases, it does not follow the same rules as when used as an adverb. For example:

• The generally accepted theory is that the earth is round.
• The generally positive reviews convinced me to see the movie.

3. Generalizations

When making generalizations, the rules for using generally and general may not apply. In these cases, the speaker or writer is making a broad statement about a group of people or things. For example:

• Generally, cats are more independent than dogs. (This is a generalization about cats and dogs as a whole.)
• In general, people prefer warmer weather. (This is a generalization about people as a group.)

It is important to note that generalizations can be problematic and should be used with caution to avoid stereotyping or making unfair assumptions.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between generally and general, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (generally or general) to fill in the blank in each sentence:

1. The __________ population of the city is around 500,000.
2. _____________, I prefer to avoid conflict.
3. _____________ speaking, the weather in this region is mild.
4. _____________ anesthesia is used to put patients to sleep during surgery.
5. _____________ speaking, the company is doing well financially.

Answer Key:

1. General
2. Generally
3. Generally
4. General
5. Generally

Exercise 2: Sentence Correction

Read each sentence below and identify if the word generally or general is used correctly. If it is not, correct the sentence:

1. The general consensus is that the new policy is a good idea.
2. Generally, I like to start my day with a cup of coffee.
3. The general of the army made a speech to the troops.
4. She generally takes the bus to work, but sometimes she drives.
5. He has a general idea of what he wants to do after college.

Answer Key:

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Incorrect – should be “The general in charge of the army made a speech to the troops.”
4. Correct
5. Correct

These practice exercises should help you feel more confident in your ability to use generally and general correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “generally” and “general” is crucial for effective communication. While both words are related to the concept of being broad or non-specific, they have distinct meanings and uses.

Key Takeaways:

• “Generally” is an adverb that means “usually” or “in most cases.”
• “General” is an adjective that describes something as broad or non-specific.
• Using these words incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
• Other similar words, such as “generic” and “vague,” have their own distinct meanings and uses.

As with any aspect of language use, it is important to continue learning and improving. There are many resources available for those who want to deepen their understanding of grammar and language use, including books, online courses, and writing communities.

By taking the time to learn and practice, we can all become more effective communicators and avoid common mistakes like confusing “generally” and “general.”