Are you often confused with the usage of the words generally and generaly? You are not alone. The difference between the two is subtle, yet significant. In this article, we will clarify which of the two is the proper word, and what each word generally means.
Generally is the correct spelling of the word that means “usually” or “in most cases.” It is an adverb that is used to describe a general trend or behavior. For example, “Generally, people prefer to avoid conflicts.” This word is commonly used in both written and spoken English.
On the other hand, generaly is not a word that is recognized by most dictionaries, and it is considered incorrect. If you come across this word, it is most likely a misspelling of generally. Therefore, it is essential to use the correct spelling of the word to avoid confusion and to maintain the professionalism of your writing.
Now that we have established the difference between generally and generaly let’s dive deeper into the usage of generally and some common phrases that include this word.
Define Generally
Generally is an adverb that is used to indicate that something is true or applicable in most cases or in a general sense. It is often used to describe things that are not specific or exact but rather are broad or all-encompassing.
For example, one might say, “Generally, people prefer to sleep at night,” to indicate that most people prefer to sleep during the nighttime hours. Another example would be, “Generally speaking, dogs are loyal animals,” to indicate that this is a characteristic that is commonly associated with dogs.
It is important to note that the word “generally” is often used to qualify statements or opinions, indicating that they are not necessarily true in all cases but are generally true.
Define Generaly
General is an adjective that is used to describe something that is common or widespread. However, “generaly” is not a recognized word in the English language. It is possible that this is a misspelling of the word “generally.”
It is important to ensure that you are using the correct spelling of words in your writing, as misspellings can detract from the clarity and professionalism of your work.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “generally” and “generaly” in a sentence.
How To Use “Generally” In A Sentence
“Generally” is an adverb that means usually, commonly, or in most cases. It is used to describe a situation or action that is true for the majority of cases.
For example:
- Generally, people prefer to sleep at night.
- She generally wakes up at 6 am every day.
When using “generally” in a sentence, it is important to note that it is often followed by a comma. This is because it is used to introduce a general statement or observation.
For example:
- Generally, it is not a good idea to eat fast food every day.
- Generally, the weather in the summer is hot and humid.
How To Use “Generaly” In A Sentence
“Generaly” is not a word in the English language. The correct spelling is “generally”. Therefore, it should not be used in a sentence as it is not a valid word.
It is important to always check the spelling of a word before using it in a sentence. Using incorrect spelling can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
More Examples Of Generally & Generaly Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words “generally” and “generaly” in sentences. While these two words may sound similar, they have different meanings and spellings. It is important to use them correctly to avoid confusion.
Examples Of Using “Generally” In A Sentence
- Generally, people prefer to eat healthy food.
- She generally wakes up at 6 am every day.
- Generally speaking, dogs are loyal animals.
- He generally enjoys watching action movies.
- They generally avoid going out on weekends.
- Generally, it is not a good idea to procrastinate.
- She generally wears a dress to formal events.
- Generally, the weather is nice in the summer.
- He generally works from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Generally, people like to travel during the holidays.
Examples Of Using “Generaly” In A Sentence
- Generaly, people are afraid of snakes.
- She generaly likes to read books in her free time.
- Generaly speaking, cats are independent animals.
- He generaly prefers to stay at home on weekends.
- They generaly have dinner together every night.
- Generaly, it is better to be safe than sorry.
- She generaly wears a hat to protect herself from the sun.
- Generaly, the stock market is unpredictable.
- He generaly takes a nap after lunch.
- Generaly, people like to listen to music while working out.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “generally” and “generaly,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and why they are incorrect:
Using “Generaly” Instead Of “Generally”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “generaly” instead of “generally.” “Generaly” is not a word in the English language, and using it can make your writing appear unprofessional. Always double-check your spelling and use “generally” instead.
Using “Generally” To Mean “Usually”
Another mistake people make is using “generally” to mean “usually.” While these words may seem similar, “generally” refers to something that is true in most cases, while “usually” refers to something that happens most of the time. For example, “generally, it’s not a good idea to eat too much sugar” means that in most cases, eating too much sugar is not a good idea. On the other hand, “usually, I eat breakfast at 7 am” means that most of the time, the speaker eats breakfast at 7 am.
Using “Generally” As A Synonym For “Vaguely”
Some people use “generally” to mean “vaguely” or “in a general way.” However, this is not the correct usage of the word. “Generally” should be used to describe something that is true in most cases, not something that is vague or general. For example, “generally speaking, the sky is blue” means that in most cases, the sky appears blue.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to double-check your spelling and usage of these words. If you’re unsure of the correct usage, consult a dictionary or style guide. Additionally, proofread your writing carefully to catch any errors before publishing or submitting it.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “generally” and “generaly,” context is key. The two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, but they actually have different meanings and uses depending on the situation.
Choosing Between “Generally” And “Generaly”
The word “generally” is an adverb that means “usually” or “in most cases.” It is used to describe something that happens or is true most of the time. For example:
- Generally, people prefer to avoid conflict.
- Generally, cats are more independent than dogs.
The word “generaly,” on the other hand, is not a standard English word. It may be a misspelling of “generally” or a regional or colloquial variation. It is not considered correct in formal writing.
Context And Usage
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “generally” and “generaly” might change:
| Context | Example | Correct usage |
|---|---|---|
| Formal writing | A research paper on climate change | Generally |
| Informal conversation | A discussion with friends about favorite foods | Generaly (depending on regional dialect) |
| Legal documents | A contract between two parties | Generally |
As you can see, the choice between “generally” and “generaly” depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to be aware of the differences between the two words and to use them correctly to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using generally and generaly are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. It’s important to be aware of these exceptions so that you can use these words correctly in all situations.
Exceptions For “Generally”
One exception to the rule for using “generally” is when it’s used in the context of a legal or scientific document. In these contexts, “generally” can be used to mean “in most cases,” but it can also be used to mean “always” or “without exception.”
For example, in a legal document, you might see a statement like “Generally, a contract is considered valid if it is signed by both parties.” In this case, “generally” means “always” – there are no exceptions to this rule.
Another exception for “generally” is when it’s used to mean “approximately” or “more or less.” In this context, “generally” is often used in place of “roughly” or “about.”
For example, you might say “I generally wake up at 6am” to mean that you usually wake up around that time, but it’s not an exact time.
Exceptions For “Generaly”
The word “generaly” is not a commonly used word in the English language, and as such, there are no recognized exceptions to its use. In fact, it’s not considered a proper word at all, and using it in place of “generally” would be seen as a spelling error.
If you do come across the word “generaly” in a text or document, it’s likely a typo or an error on the part of the writer, and it should be corrected to “generally.”
Practice Exercises
Practice exercises are an effective way for readers to improve their understanding and use of generally and generaly in sentences. By providing a variety of exercises, readers can gain confidence in their ability to differentiate between the two words and use them correctly in context.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
In this exercise, readers will fill in the blank with either generally or generaly. The sentences are designed to test their understanding of the difference between the two words.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The __________ accepted definition of success is achieving one’s goals. | generally |
| She was __________ happy with the results of her hard work. | generally |
| He was __________ aware of the dangers of the situation. | generally |
| __________ speaking, it is not a good idea to procrastinate. | Generally |
| __________ speaking, she is a good candidate for the job. | Generally |
| The __________ accepted rule is to treat others with respect. | generally |
| He was __________ considered a genius in his field. | generally |
| __________ speaking, it is important to get enough sleep. | Generally |
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
In this exercise, readers will rewrite the sentence using either generally or generaly. This exercise is designed to test their ability to use the words correctly in context.
- Original Sentence: He is a __________ good student.
- Rewritten Sentence: __________ speaking, he is a good student.
- Answer: Generally
- Original Sentence: The __________ accepted way to solve the problem is to use a calculator.
- Rewritten Sentence: __________ speaking, the way to solve the problem is to use a calculator.
- Answer: Generally
- Original Sentence: She was __________ happy with the way the project turned out.
- Rewritten Sentence: __________ speaking, she was happy with the way the project turned out.
- Answer: Generally
- Original Sentence: The __________ accepted definition of success is achieving one’s goals.
- Rewritten Sentence: __________ speaking, the definition of success is achieving one’s goals.
- Answer: Generally
By offering practice exercises with answer keys or explanations, readers can gain a better understanding of the correct usage of generally and generaly. These exercises can also help readers feel more confident in their ability to use these words correctly in their own writing.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “generally” and “generaly,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and uses in the English language. Generally, “generally” is the correct spelling and is used to mean “usually” or “in most cases.” On the other hand, “generaly” is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided in formal writing.
It is important to pay attention to spelling and grammar in order to effectively communicate in writing. By understanding the nuances of language use, we can improve our writing and avoid common errors.
Key Takeaways:
- “Generally” is the correct spelling and means “usually” or “in most cases.”
- “Generaly” is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided in formal writing.
- Paying attention to spelling and grammar is important for effective communication.
As with any aspect of language use, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to study grammar and language, we can improve our writing and communication skills.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.