Usually Vs Generally

Question

Hi... I have a doubt.. when to use Usually and generally. Please let me know which one is correct listed below..

I usually go for a walk after lunch.

I generally go for a walk after lunch.

Exact difference and usage of these word are not know to me. Please advice. Thanks.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

In your examples, the meanings are essentially the same.  If I had to differentiate, 'generally' is a bit more often.

Oceans · Answer

if i were to choose which sentence to use i would choose : I usually go for a walk after lunch.

personally, I would use the word generally at the beginning of a sentence

take care

CalifJim · Answer

usually is the more ordinary word. generally is in a slightly higher register, I'd say.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Americans generally commute by cars rather than motor bikes.
Usually I prefer I95 highway over I50.

Generally is preferred in a large frame.

Avangi · Answer

AnonymousAmericans generally commute by cars rather than motor bikes.
Usually I prefer I95 highway over I50.

I agree with these examples, although I think the first one is a tossup.

Personally, I tend to use "usually" for actions or habits: "I usually take the bus."

I favor "generally" for characterizations:
"German philosophy is generally better organized than French philolophy." (Not necessarily true, okay?)

**
In these cases you could say "in general, etc."
You would probably not say, "In general, I take the bus," although you could.

"The usual suspects" refers to a routine. (action)

We would not say "the general suspects."

When it's a characterization of habits/a habit, it's a tossup. (Anon's first example)

- A.

** Sartre drives me crazy!

If I say "usually better organized," then I'm going on a case-by-case basis: these two are, this one is not.
That is, "when I read this one, etc." (an action)

Usually Vs Generally

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