chronologically speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chronologically speaking" is considered correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to distinguish between events that occur in a specific order. For instance, "Chronologically speaking, the Industrial Revolution occurred before the invention of the Internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The first of these forces, chronologically speaking, was money.

The New Yorker

7 Lovesexy 1988 ★★★★★ The last Prince album, chronologically speaking, from his intimidatingly Midas-fingered infallible years.

The Guardian - Music

And it's written somewhere, chronologically speaking, between the battlefields of the Somme and the concentration camps erected by my compatriots.

The New Yorker

To say the downward spiral began with the Ewing trade is certainly an oversimplification, although chronologically speaking, an accurate summation.

The New York Times - Sports

Chronologically speaking, skeptical issues were most prominently considered in works from both the leading and tail ends of the Middle Ages.

SEP

Chronologically speaking, we should now be enjoying "Breakfast on the Planet of the Apes," with the low-calorie fruit-and-berries option very much to the fore.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Strictly speaking, BMI at 18 years is chronologically after menarche.

Breast Cancer Research

"Arranged chronologically, these records document in detail the activities of the first lady, including meetings, trips, speaking engagements and social activities for the eight years of the Clinton administration," the statement said.

The New York Times

Curricula vitae and other autobiographical information prepared by Wray for purposes of introductions at speaking events; his 1971 medical license; both Stanford diplomas and certificate of professorship emeritus from Columbia University; and other mixed records, arranged chronologically.

Columbia University

As well as darting about chronologically, the narrative makes surprising leaps in register and tone, so that characters speak in a mixture of world-weary teenspeak, pitch-perfect realism, and mannered theatricality, sometimes within the same scene.

The Guardian - Books

Subseries 3: Miscellaneous, is also arranged chronologically, and consists of routine "fan" and "crank" mail, inquiries from readers, invitations to speak, and acknowledgements.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chronologically speaking" to clarify the sequence of events or actions when the order is essential to the understanding of the context.

Common error

Avoid using "chronologically speaking" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase would suffice. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chronologically speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to specify that the information is being presented from a temporal perspective. As Ludwig suggests, it helps to establish a clear sequence of events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chronologically speaking" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify that information is presented in temporal order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's useful for ensuring clarity and emphasizing the sequence of events. While more common in neutral to formal contexts like news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "in chronological order" or "sequentially" for simpler communication. Always prioritize context and audience when deciding whether to include this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in chronological order

Focuses on the arrangement of events in a specific sequence, rather than an explicit statement.

in the order of occurrence

Directly describes the arrangement of events based on when they happened.

in terms of timeline

Directly addresses the concept of events occurring on a timeline.

following the timeline

Implies adherence to a predetermined sequence of events.

from a temporal perspective

Highlights the aspect of time and its influence on the sequence of events.

according to the temporal order

Uses a more formal tone to discuss events arranged by time.

in succession

Highlights the following of one event after another, one by one.

sequentially

Emphasizes the order in which events follow one another.

as time progresses

Focuses on the unfolding of events as time moves forward.

in due course

Refers to events happening at their appropriate or expected time.

FAQs

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

You can use "chronologically speaking" to introduce a sequence of events or to clarify the order in which things happened. For example, "Chronologically speaking, the discovery of penicillin predates the invention of the microchip".

What does "chronologically speaking" mean?

The phrase "chronologically speaking" means considering events in the order that they occurred in time. It's used to emphasize the sequence of events.

What are some alternatives to "chronologically speaking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in chronological order", "sequentially", or "in terms of timeline". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "chronologically speaking"?

No, it is not always necessary. Use "chronologically speaking" when the order is particularly relevant or might not be immediately clear to the reader or listener. In many cases, simply presenting the events in order is sufficient.