Grammar fix
general idea
overall understanding
A basic or broad understanding of something, without knowing all the details.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I have a general idea of how the new software works, but I still need some training.
Even if you don't know all the facts, having a general idea about the topic can help you answer the question more confidently.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I got the general idea about the plot.
Say: I got the general idea of the plot.
'General idea OF' — not 'about'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Apprehended the broad conceptual outline' is absurd; 'get the general idea' is natural.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
general idea
- the
- a
- get the
- rough