20 Better Ways to Say IN GENERAL

20 Better Ways to Say IN GENERAL (with Clear Examples)

There comes a point in every English learner’s journey when “in general” starts to feel… tired.

Perfectly correct? Yes.

Elegant and varied? Not always.

If you’re writing emails, essays, articles, or Cambridge exam answers (B2 First & C1 Advanced), repeating the same phrase again and again can make your writing sound flat. Native speakers — and examiners — prefer range.

In this lesson, you’ll learn 20 natural alternatives to “in general”, with clear meanings and examples you can use straight away.

What does “in general” mean?

We use in general to introduce a statement that is true for most people, things, or situations, but not necessarily all.

In general, people prefer clear instructions.

Women, in general, live longer than men.

Now let’s upgrade your language.

Formal & Neutral Alternatives

As a general rule

Meaning: in most cases; usually true

As a general rule, children learn languages faster than adults.

Drivers, as a general rule, slow down in bad weather.

Generally speaking

Meaning: used to introduce a broad opinion

Generally speaking, this type of job requires experience.

The feedback was, generally speaking, positive.

Broadly speaking

Meaning: looking at the big picture, not the details

Broadly speaking, there are two approaches to this problem.

Broadly speaking, the reforms were successful.

By and large

Meaning: considering everything; mostly

By and large, the project met its objectives.

The audience was, by and large, satisfied.

On the whole

Meaning: after considering everything

On the whole, the benefits outweigh the risks.

The experience was positive on the whole.

Informal or Semi-Formal Options

Basically

Meaning: focusing on the most important idea

Basically, the plan didn’t work.

The town has basically stayed the same.

Essentially

Meaning: at its core; fundamentally

The argument is essentially about money.

She is essentially a very kind person.

For the most part

Meaning: mostly; in most cases

For the most part, students agreed with the decision.

The system works well for the most part.

More often than not

Meaning: in more than half of cases

More often than not, people choose convenience over quality.

He arrives late more often than not.

Emphasis on Degree or Extent

To a large/great extent

Meaning: largely; substantially

Success depends, to a large extent, on motivation.

The theory is valid to a great extent.

In great measure

Meaning: largely; significantly

The recovery is due, in great measure, to foreign investment.

Her success is in great measure self-made.

In many respects

Meaning: in several important ways

The new model is better in many respects.

The two cultures are similar in many respects.

In many ways

Meaning: in several aspects

The situation is improving in many ways.

They are alike in many ways.

Describing Typical Situations

In most cases

Meaning: usually; typically

In most cases, a password reset solves the issue.

In most cases, children adapt quickly.

Across the board

Meaning: affecting everyone or everything equally

Prices were increased across the board.

Salaries were cut across the board.

Altogether

Meaning: considering everything as a whole

Altogether, the results were encouraging.

Altogether, it was a wise decision.

Formal & High-Level (C1-Friendly)

In general terms

Meaning: without going into details

The policy was explained in general terms.

He outlined the plan in general terms.

In a general sense

Meaning: overall; broadly

Education, in a general sense, shapes society.

History, in a general sense, reflects human behaviour.

To all intents and purposes

Meaning: in all important ways

The two versions are, to all intents and purposes, identical.

The project is finished, to all intents and purposes.

When all is said and done

Meaning: after considering everything

When all is said and done, experience matters more than theory.

They succeeded when all is said and done.

Exam Tip (B2–C1)

In Cambridge exams, replacing “in general” with expressions like by and large, on the whole, or generally speaking instantly makes your writing sound more natural and more advanced.

Learn about linking words and phrases in English here