sentence in question:
The methods that are suggested by Paul and Gerald are considered most general.
In the sentence, I think that "most general" is very odd. Then, I adjusted it to "most generally" from "most general". But my teacher changed the word back to "most general".
Question: Is "most generally" incorrect? And, is "most general" correct?
You probably want to use general.
In your sentence, generally would be an adverb (describes verbs), and general an adjective (describes nouns).
I generally go to the gym at night.
In the above sentence, generally is used properly, as an adverb.
In this sentence, most general is meant to mean that the methods are broad, widespread or sweeping. It's not describing the extent of the verb, but rather it is describing the methods. So, in this situation general is an adjective.
Your sentence can be reduced as follows:
- The methods are considered most general.
This means that the methods themselves are considered to be general (broad, widespread, widely applicable, etc.).
- The methods are considered most generally.
This means that the way in which we considered these methods was general or broad. That is, our way of thinking about this was general, broad, in a broad context.
Of course, you probably meant to say that the methods were general (the first sentence); e.g., they were broad, or widespread, or applicable to lots of things, and so on.
In science etc. one sees: the methods suggested by A and B are considered to be very general in nature.
Very is better than most here. That makes it easier to understand and read. Something is said in English: to be general in nature.
These questions are very general in nature.
That will get rid of the most/more problem. Most general in nature is OK, too but sounds a little bit old fashioned.
