commonly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"commonly speaking" is a phrase often used in formal written English.
It is used to emphasize that what is being said is generally accepted or widely understood among a particular group of people. For example: "Commonly speaking, it is accepted that a healthy lifestyle is key to achieving happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Something is art when commonly spoken of as such.

The New Yorker

The Basque language is commonly spoken by about 15percentt of the population.

The New York Times - Books

By far the language most commonly spoken that wasn't English was Polish.

The Guardian

Yiddish is commonly spoken by members of the tiny remaining Jewish community in Lithuania.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its residents are primarily Spanish, and commonly speak Mallorquí, a local dialect of Catalan.

The New York Times

Japanese is commonly spoken by the majority of the Ryukyuans, but local dialects are also used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was less prepared for the difficulties I would have sourcing literature from countries with commonly spoken languages.

The Guardian - Books

It is commonly spoken of as the Moynihan Report because its author is Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a scholar, who became asst.

The New Yorker

English and French are commonly spoken (though use of the latter is declining), and a Norman-French patois survives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mauritians commonly speak two, three, or even more languages, and the educational system supports a wide range of language instruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using the tube lines in inner and central London as a geographical "anchor" to show the most commonly spoken language (after English) around each station.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonly speaking" to introduce statements that reflect a general consensus or widely held belief within a particular context. It adds a layer of shared understanding to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "commonly speaking" to support claims that lack sufficient evidence or are based on personal opinions rather than widespread agreement. Ensure your statements align with established knowledge or reliable sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly speaking" functions as a discourse marker, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to present a generally accepted view or a common understanding. The absence of examples in Ludwig underscores its somewhat formal nature. Ludwig AI explains that this phrase is used to signal commonly accepted knowledge.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commonly speaking" serves as a discourse marker to introduce statements generally accepted or understood. While grammatically correct, its usage frequency is limited, and the tool did not find concrete examples of the phrase in use. The tool suggests that the phrase is used to signal commonly accepted knowledge. Ludwig, by providing guidance and context, helps writers use this phrase effectively, ensuring it aligns with formal communication standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Replaces "commonly" with "generally", emphasizing a widespread but not necessarily universal perspective.

typically speaking

Substitutes "commonly" with "typically", focusing on what usually happens.

in general terms

Shifts the focus to a broader, less specific overview.

for the most part

Emphasizes that the statement is mainly true, though not entirely.

on the whole

Indicates a judgment based on the majority of considerations.

by and large

Suggests that the statement is true despite minor exceptions or variations.

as a rule

Highlights that the statement is true in most cases, with possible exceptions.

as a general rule

Similar to "as a rule", but with a slightly more formal tone.

in most cases

Highlights the frequency of the described situation or opinion.

more often than not

Focuses on the higher probability of the statement being true.

FAQs

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

You can use "commonly speaking" to introduce a statement that is generally accepted or widely understood. For example, "Commonly speaking, a balanced diet is essential for good health."

What phrases are similar to "commonly speaking"?

Similar phrases include "generally speaking", "in general terms", and "as a rule". These alternatives convey a similar sense of widespread agreement or typical occurrence.

Is it correct to use "commonly speaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "commonly speaking" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to indicate a generally accepted viewpoint or a common understanding. However, ensure the context aligns with this intent.

What's the difference between "commonly speaking" and "usually speaking"?

"Commonly speaking" refers to a shared belief or understanding, while "usually speaking" focuses on typical occurrences or behaviors. The former is about consensus, whereas the latter is about frequency.