Meaning & use
generally
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Meanings
adverb
In most cases; usually, without considering exceptions.
Grammar: Often comes before the main verb or after the verb ‘be’: generally agree, is generally true.
Patterns
- generally + verb
- generally + adjective
- generally speaking
People generally prefer to travel in good weather.
The trains are generally on time, but today there was a delay.
Generally speaking, the students did well on the test.
adverb
By most people; widely, without giving exact details.
Grammar: Used to say that something is accepted or known by many people.
Patterns
- generally accepted
- generally known
- generally believed
It is generally accepted that exercise is good for you.
The theory is now generally known among scientists.
He is generally regarded as the best player in the team.
adverb
Without going into details; in a broad or approximate way.
Grammar: Often used to describe something in a general rather than exact way.
Patterns
- speak generally
- describe something generally
She spoke generally about the problems, without naming anyone.
The report describes the situation generally, not in detail.
Common combinations
- generally speaking
- Generally speaking, the service here is good.
- generally accepted
- It is generally accepted that the earth is round.
- generally known
- The fact is generally known but rarely discussed.
- generally available
- The new software is now generally available.
Synonyms and how they differ
- usually
- Focuses on what happens most of the time; generally is broader and can mean ‘in a general way’.
- normally
- Suggests what is normal or expected; generally is more about a broad tendency.
- broadly
- Similar when talking about general statements, but broadly often pairs with ‘speaking’.
- typically
- Emphasizes what is typical of a person or thing; generally is wider.
Opposites
Word family
- general adjective
- Affecting or involving most people or things; not detailed.
- generality noun
- A general statement or idea, often without details.
- generalize verb
- To make a general statement based on a few cases.
Commonly confused: generally or genuinely?
generally vs genuinely
Means truly or sincerely; generally means usually or broadly.
Practice
Choose the correct word: “___ speaking, the food here is quite good.”
Choose one answer.
Generally is an adverb and forms the fixed phrase ‘generally speaking’. General is an adjective, generality is a noun, and generalize is a verb, so none fits before ‘speaking’.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “generally”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.