Making Generalisations in English: Useful Words and Phrases for B2–C1 Learners

Making generalisations in English is an important skill for learners who want to sound natural, polite and balanced. When we generalise, we make a statement that is usually true, but not true in every single case. This is especially useful in essays, discussions, reports and Cambridge speaking exams.

When we speak or write in English, we often need to talk about things that are usually true, but not always true. This is called making generalisations in English.

For example, instead of saying:

• Teenagers spend too much time online.

we can say:

• Generally speaking, teenagers tend to spend a lot of time online.

The second sentence sounds more careful, balanced and natural because it allows for exceptions. This is especially important in essays, discussions, reports and Cambridge speaking exams, where you need to express opinions without sounding too extreme.

In this lesson, you will learn useful words and phrases for making generalisations in English, with meanings, examples and common mistakes to avoid.

What Does It Mean to Generalise?

To generalise means to make a statement that is true in many cases, but not necessarily in every case.

For example:

• Children learn languages quickly.

This may often be true, but it is not true for every child in every situation. To make the sentence more accurate, we can say:

• In general, children tend to learn languages quickly.

Now the sentence sounds more balanced and less absolute.

When making generalisations in English, we often use expressions such as:

generally speaking	in most cases
broadly speaking	in general, without focusing on every detail
in general	usually; as a general rule
as a rule	usually
tend to	are likely to
typically	usually
on the whole	generally
by and large	generally
for the most part	mostly
in the main	generally, mainly
most of the time	usually
to a large extent	mostly; in many ways
overall	when considering everything

Why are Generalisations Useful?

Generalisations help you sound more accurate and polite. They also help you avoid making statements that seem too strong or unfair.

Compare these two sentences:

• Young people are careless with money.
• In many cases, young people are still learning how to manage money.

The second sentence is much better. It sounds more thoughtful and less judgemental.

This is particularly useful in Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced essays, where you often need to discuss social issues, education, technology, work, health or the environment.

Useful Phrases for Making Generalisations in English

1. Generally speaking

Meaning: used when saying that something is true in most cases.

• Generally speaking, people are more aware of environmental problems than they were in the past.
• Generally speaking, students perform better when they revise regularly.

Use it in writing and speaking: This phrase is very useful when introducing a broad opinion.

2. Broadly speaking

Meaning: used when you are talking about something in a general way, without focusing on small details.

• Broadly speaking, the education system has improved over the last few decades.
• Broadly speaking, online learning is more flexible than traditional classroom learning.

Note: Broadly speaking is slightly more formal than generally speaking.

3. In general

Meaning: usually; in most situations.

• In general, children benefit from having a regular routine.
• In general, people prefer working in a friendly environment.

Common pattern:

In general, + clause

4. As a rule

Meaning: usually; normally.

• As a rule, formal writing avoids contractions such as don’t and can’t.
• As a rule, people remember information better when they use it actively.

Note: This phrase is often used when talking about habits, routines or standard practice.

5. Tend to

Meaning: to usually do something; to be likely to behave in a particular way.

Grammar pattern:

subject + tend to + infinitive

• People tend to feel more confident when they are well prepared.
• Prices tend to rise during the tourist season.

6. Typically

Meaning: usually; in a way that is normal or expected.

• Students typically need several months to prepare properly for B2 First.
• People typically feel nervous before an important exam.

Note: Typically is useful when explaining what is normal in a situation.

7. On the whole

Meaning: generally, when considering the situation as a whole.

• On the whole, the new system has been successful.
• On the whole, living in the countryside is quieter than living in a city.

Use it when: You want to give a general opinion after considering different points.

8. By and large

Meaning: generally; mostly.

• By and large, the feedback from students was positive.
• The project was, by and large, a success.

Note: This phrase is common in spoken and written English, but it has a slightly old-fashioned, traditional feel — rather charming, like a phrase wearing a tweed jacket.

9. For the most part

Meaning: mostly; generally.

• For the most part, the journey was comfortable.
• The town is quiet, for the most part, although it gets busy in summer.

Position in the sentence:

For the most part, + clause

clause + for the most part

10. In the main

Meaning: generally; mostly.

• In the main, I agree with your argument.
• The changes were, in the main, welcomed by local residents.

Note: In the main is more formal and less common in everyday conversation. It is useful for essays, reports and formal discussions.

11. Most of the time

Meaning: usually; in most situations.

• Most of the time, online dictionaries are very helpful.
• I enjoy working from home most of the time.

Note: This phrase is more conversational than formal.

12. To a large extent / To a great extent

Meaning: mostly; in many ways; partly but significantly.

Success in language learning depends, to a large extent, on regular practice.

The quality of education depends, to a great extent, on the quality of teachers.

Common pattern: something depends to a large extent on something

• Exam success depends to a large extent on good preparation.

13. Overall

Meaning: when considering everything.

• Overall, the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages.
• Overall, the report shows a positive trend.

Use it when: You want to summarise a general opinion or conclusion.

This is especially useful in essays:

• Overall, although technology has some disadvantages, it has made communication faster and easier.

14. In many cases

Meaning: often, but not always.

• In many cases, people change careers several times during their lives.
• In many cases, learners understand grammar better when they see it in context.

This phrase is excellent when you want to avoid overgeneralising.

15. As is often the case

Meaning: used when something happens quite often or is typical of a situation.

• As is often the case, the simplest solution was the best one.
• As is often the case with language learning, progress takes time.

This phrase is more advanced and sounds natural in C1-level writing.

Making Generalisations More Carefully

Sometimes, students make statements that are too strong. In academic and exam writing, it is better to use careful language.

Instead of saying:

• Social media is harmful.

Say:

• Social media can be harmful if it is used excessively.

Instead of saying:

• Parents do not understand teenagers.

Say:

• Parents may sometimes find it difficult to understand teenagers.

Instead of saying:

• Online learning is better than classroom learning.

Say:

• Online learning can be more convenient than classroom learning in some situations.

Useful words for careful generalisations include:

always	often / frequently / in many cases
never	rarely / not usually
all	many / most / a large number of
everyone	many people / most people
is	can be / tends to be / is often
causes	can lead to / may contribute to

Generalisations in Cambridge English Exams

Making generalisations in English is very useful for B2 First and C1 Advanced, especially in:

• essays
• reports
• reviews
• speaking discussions
• comparing ideas
• expressing balanced opinions

For example, in an essay about technology, you could write:

In general, technology has made communication easier and faster. However, it can also make people less patient, especially when they expect immediate replies.

In a speaking exam, you could say:

• Generally speaking, young people tend to be more comfortable with new technology than older generations, although this is not always the case.

In a report, you might write:

• Overall, students were satisfied with the new timetable, although some complained that lessons started too early.

Common Mistakes When Making Generalisations in English

1. Making statements that are too absolute

Avoid sentences like:

• People are lazy nowadays.
• Teenagers are addicted to their phones.
• Older people hate technology.

These sound too strong and unfair.

Better:

• Some people are less active than they used to be.
• Teenagers often spend a lot of time on their phones.
• Older people may sometimes feel less confident using new technology.

2. Using “the people” instead of “people”

Incorrect:

The people like travelling.

Correct:

• People like travelling.
• In general, people like travelling.

Use people when speaking generally.

3. Forgetting the infinitive after “tend to”

Incorrect:

• People tend spending too much time online.

Correct:

• People tend to spend too much time online.

4. Using “generally” in the wrong position

Correct:

• Generally, students need regular practice.
• Students generally need regular practice.
• Generally speaking, students need regular practice.

All three are possible, but generally speaking is usually placed at the beginning of the sentence.

Useful sentence patterns

Here are some helpful patterns you can use in your own writing and speaking.

Pattern 1

Generally speaking, + subject + verb

• Generally speaking, children learn better when they feel relaxed.
• Generally speaking, people prefer clear instructions.

Pattern 2

Subject + tend to + infinitive

• Students tend to remember words better when they use them in sentences.
• People tend to become more confident with practice.

Pattern 3

In many cases, + subject + verb

• In many cases, mistakes happen because of poor communication.
• In many cases, learners understand vocabulary better through stories.

Pattern 4

To a large extent, + subject + verb

• To a large extent, success depends on preparation.
• To a large extent, confidence comes from experience.

Pattern 5

Overall, + general conclusion

• Overall, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
• Overall, the course was useful and well organised.

Download the Making Generalisations in English Practice Worksheet in PDF

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge:

Final Thoughts

Making generalisations in English is an important skill because it helps you express ideas in a more natural, accurate and polite way. Instead of making strong statements that sound too absolute, you can use phrases such as generally speaking, in general, on the whole, by and large, for the most part, tend to and to a large extent.

These expressions are especially useful in essays, reports and speaking exams because they help you sound balanced and thoughtful. And in good English, balance matters. A sentence should stand firmly on its feet — not stamp around the room like it owns the place.

Related posts:

Linking Words to Express Opinion 

Expressing Cause and Effect in English 

Although vs Though vs Even Though 

Alternatives to “However” 

Prepositional Phrases of Contrast

How to Write an Essay for B2 First (FCE) 

How to Write an Essay for CAE 

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FAQ 

What does making generalisations in English mean?

Making generalisations in English means talking about something that is usually true, but not true in every case. For example, “People tend to feel more confident when they practise regularly” is a generalisation.

Why are generalisations useful in English?

Generalisations help you sound more careful, polite and natural. They are especially useful in essays, discussions, reports and speaking exams because they help you avoid statements that sound too strong.

What phrases can I use for making generalisations in English?

Useful phrases include generally speaking, broadly speaking, in general, as a rule, on the whole, by and large, for the most part, in many cases and to a large extent.

Is “tend to” useful for generalising?

Yes. Tend to is very useful for making generalisations because it means that something usually happens or is likely to happen. For example: “Students tend to remember vocabulary better when they use it in context.”

Are generalisations useful for Cambridge exams?

Yes. Generalisations are useful in B2 First and C1 Advanced, especially in essays, reports and speaking tasks. They help you express opinions in a balanced and accurate way.