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Unit 3: English In A Minute
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Session 91

Welcome to English In A Minute. Give us a minute and we'll give you a hot tip about English vocabulary... there's so much to learn! And all taught by your favourite BBC Learning English staff!

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

How to use 'general'

Beth teaches how to use 'general'.

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Beth
General is an adjective with a similar meaning to common. It means involving most people and things.

There is general interest in caring for animals and the environment.
The general mood of employees is one of high satisfaction.

Also as an adjective, general can mean basic, necessary and without detail.

This five-minute presentation will give you a general idea of the project.
We only agreed the plan in general terms. There's a lot to discuss still.

We also frequently use general in the phrase in general. In general means usually, or in most situations.

I eat healthily in general, but I do enjoy junk food sometimes.
In general, I like reading any type of book.

We hope this video gives you a general understanding of the word 'general'!

General

General is an adjective that's similar to 'common'. 

  • It's a general day in the UK today - a bit cold and wet. 

General can also mean basic. 

  • This book will give you a general understanding of human biology. 

General is often used in the phrase 'in general', which means usually. 

  • It rains a lot here, in general. 

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