In general

[Rachel Adams]

Can I use "in general" instead of "generally"?

1. In general, I don't like to talk about religion.
2. In general, he is not a good artist.

 

[emsr2d2]

In sentence 1, yes.
Sentence 2 doesn't work with either of them.

 

[Rachel Adams]

In sentence 1, yes.
Sentence 2 doesn't work with either of them.

Would "usually" work in both?

1. I don't usually like to talk about religion.
2. He is not usually a good artist.

 

[emsr2d2]

Again, sentence 1 is fine. Sentence 2 doesn't make much sense. People are either good at art or they're not. What are you trying to express with sentence 2?

 

[Rachel Adams]

Again, sentence 1 is fine. Sentence 2 doesn't make much sense. People are either good at art or they're not. What are you trying to express with sentence 2?

I mean that he doesn't usually draw well.

 

[emsr2d2]

I mean that he doesn't usually draw well.

Again, that's unnatural. People are usually artistic or they're not. Why would he sometimes draw well and sometimes not? You need to explain your concept more clearly.

 

[5jj]

Your idea might work in this sort of context:

Fred drew a very attractive picture of the lake. I was amazed, because he's usually draws very badly.