general in + field
Describing broad ability or relevance
Use in for fields or areas.
She is general in her approach to teaching.
general of, in, for, at or on?
General often appears with in or about when discussing broad topics. Other prepositions usually belong to separate structures.
Quick answer
Which prepositions are used with general?
General in is common for areas or fields. General of is uncommon after the adjective but appears with the noun general. At, on, and for usually introduce separate information.
She has a general interest in history.
We spoke in general about the plan.
He gave a general overview of the project.
We spoke in general about the plan.
He gave a general overview of the project.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
general about + topic
Avoiding detail
About introduces the subject discussed broadly.
He was very general about the costs.
in general
Making broad statements
This fixed phrase means generally or overall.
People in general prefer simple instructions.
general overview of + noun
Describing summaries
Overview commonly takes of after the noun.
The report gives a general overview of the market.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
general of
the Secretary General of the UN
Of commonly follows the noun general in titles, not the adjective general.
general in
She has general knowledge in biology.
In introduces a field or area.
general for
This advice is general for all users.
Possible but less natural than general advice for all users.
general at
He is general at meetings.
At introduces location or context, not a fixed complement.
general on
They had a general discussion on taxes.
On belongs to the noun discussion, not directly to general.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using of directly after the adjective
Of usually belongs to a following noun, not to general itself.
✕ She is general of science. ✓ She has general knowledge of science.Forcing a fixed pattern with on
On usually depends on another noun such as opinion or discussion.
✕ He is general on politics. ✓ He speaks in general terms about politics.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. She has general knowledge ___ chemistry.
2. We spoke ___ general about the economy.
3. He was very general ___ the details.
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Frequently asked questions
Is in general a fixed expression?
Yes. It means generally or overall.
Can general be followed by of?
Not usually as an adjective. Of more often follows a noun such as overview or Secretary General.
Is general in common?
It appears in contexts discussing broad ability, knowledge, or relevance within a field.
Related preposition guides
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