basically speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"basically speaking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used as a way to introduce an opinion regarding a given situation. For example, "Basically speaking, the weather in this area has grown increasingly unpredictable over the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

By the end of the book, she's basically speaking to no one.

The New Yorker

Very basically speaking, if you're not shooting on goal, you're not giving yourself much of a chance to score.

The Guardian - Sport

"The ad is basically speaking to a majority of menstruating women," and not to the minority of women with the psychological problem for which Yaz is approved, said Dr. Nada L. Stotland, a professor of psychiatry at Rush Medical Center in Chicago and the president of the American Psychiatric Association.

The New York Times

Especially since he's basically speaking an "alienese".

TechCrunch

It's Star Trek-like technology, basically speaking.

TechCrunch

Basically speaking now we are going to see what the company's reaction is".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Competition Commission has, basically, spoken.

The Guardian

And the economic benefits of fracking basically speak for themselves.

The Guardian

William West, a constable, remembered Duckenfield telling officers "we were useless, we were no good, we had been doing it all wrong … He got us into the briefing room and he basically spoke at us for 20 minutes, telling us how the district was a disgrace, it had been badly run, it was going to be his way now".

The Guardian - Sport

I basically spoke on my focus, which is music and art.

Huffington Post

On Nov. 11, Gruber went on MSNBC saying he "basically spoke inappropriately".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically speaking" to introduce a simplified explanation or summary of a complex topic to improve clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "basically speaking" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated. Consider alternatives like "in essence" or "essentially" for a more concise and impactful delivery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the speaker is providing a simplified or general explanation. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis of the phrase and usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Basically speaking" serves as a signal for simplification, offering a more accessible explanation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, though its use is relatively uncommon and leans towards neutral or slightly informal contexts. While found in both news and scientific domains, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives like "in essence" in professional settings. The phrase's primary function is to enhance clarity, making complex information more digestible for a wider audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in essence

Focuses on the core or most important aspect of something.

in simple terms

Emphasizes clarity and ease of understanding.

generally speaking

Highlights a broad overview rather than specific details.

essentially

Similar to "in essence", stressing the fundamental nature.

at its core

Draws attention to the central element or principle.

in a nutshell

Conveys brevity and conciseness.

fundamentally

Highlights the basic or foundational aspect.

put simply

Focuses on making something easy to understand.

to put it briefly

Emphasizes conciseness and summarization.

overall

Describes the situation/point of view in general.

FAQs

How can I use "basically speaking" in a sentence?

"Basically speaking" is used to introduce a general explanation or summary of a topic. For example, "Basically speaking, the new policy aims to improve overall efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "basically speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "in essence", "in simple terms", or "generally speaking" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "basically" and "speaking" together?

While some may find it slightly redundant, "basically speaking" is an accepted phrase that adds emphasis to a simplified explanation. However, overuse should be avoided.

When is it appropriate to use "basically speaking" in formal writing?

While acceptable, it's often better to use more formal alternatives such as "in essence" or "essentially" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.