a general idea vs the general idea

Both 'a general idea' and 'the general idea' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A general idea' is used when referring to any unspecified or non-specific idea, while 'the general idea' is used when referring to a specific idea that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1129 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"a general idea"

This phrase is used when referring to any unspecified or non-specific idea.

Show examples from the web [+]

Well, I think I have a general idea.
This is just to get a general idea...
I've given him a general idea.
This is after all a general idea throughout the whole text.
This preliminary sketch gives you a general idea of what she looks like.
Now, I know my clock doesn't tell you the exact time, but it does give you a general idea using a flower.
to allow any organisation interested in running a railway related business to gain a general idea of which vehicle types might be compatible with a particular network.
Well, this image won't be complete for eight hours, but it'll give you a general idea of...
I will simply mention some of the successes to give you a general idea of where the Union is making progress: the agreement with Switzerland, the fifth framework programme for research and development and the 1999 budget, on which you will vote tomorrow.
We just want to get a general idea of what you guys saw this morning, okay?
First of all, I would like to return to a general idea shared, I think, by many of you: that it is not enough to define rights, but that we must also create the conditions within which these rights can be exercised.
Even though it might not wish to specify approximate amounts for the period after 2006, does not the Commission have at least a general idea at this stage of what it intends to propose, as Mr Verheugen gave clearly to understand?
If so, does that commitment, as the expression of a general idea, also apply to plantings of harvested material occurring before Regulation (EC) No 2605/98 entered into force?
I like being on a show That just talks about faith as a general idea, About just really, really believing in something,
All the EU needs to approve is a general idea of the educational system, nothing more than that, said Rada Irmie, 21, from Romania, It might include regulations like gathering no more than 10 students in a class and stuff like that.
Even though it might not wish to specify approximate amounts for the period after 2006, does not the Commission have at least a general idea at this stage of what it intends to propose, as Mr Verheugen gave clearly to understand?

Alternatives:

a vague idea
a rough idea
a basic idea
a preliminary idea
an initial idea

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the general idea"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific idea that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Show examples from the web [+]

But the general idea is that they all fit into this knowledge map.
That's the general idea, yes.
Well, the general idea is that certain phases of our life never really die.
The general idea here, by the way, is that we actually don't know our preferences that well.
I will not disguise my reservations, either, regarding the general idea, outlined by the rapporteur in his explanatory statement, to fundamentally restructure the tax systems by increasing indirect tax at the expense of direct tax.
It is thus clear that the Parliament is in favour of the general idea of the proposal but, importantly, that it should be considered for 2004 so that Parliament can be fully involved.
Crudely worded... ...but yes, that's the general idea.
That's the general idea, kid!
We reject the general idea of introducing biometric identifiers in identity documents for several reasons:
I did vote in favour of the motion for a resolution, as the general idea of cost efficiency in the EU is raised many times.
We reject the general idea of introducing biometric identifiers in identity documents for several reasons:
I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution as the general idea of cost efficiency in the EU is brought up.
I also agree with the general idea that underlies the two additional amendments that have been tabled in the House, Nos 9 and 10.
But the general idea that you could only - you could only really talk about things in that place that had some kind of experimental basis.
We think this is a Europe-wide priority and that is why we had to take account of scientific progress since the last directive in 1980 and why we approve of the general idea of having a new and improved proposal.
Who could disagree with the general idea of protecting wild animal species, some of which are in danger of extinction?
Allow me to sum it up as follows: it basically reflected Parliament's support for the general position, for the Commission's general concept, for the general idea.
underscores the importance of promoting the general idea of sustainable development through conservation, management of cultural assets and making the access to sites by all a natural part of the life of society.
The general idea behind a cod by-catch fishery is that, for as long as cod is not recovered, you do not target cod.
The general idea of the campaign was to move gradually towards the integrated management of solid waste by according priority to: -

Alternatives:

the main idea
the central idea
the core idea
the principal idea
the key idea

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a general idea vs the general idea

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