conventionally speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conventionally speaking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that is commonly accepted or understood as being traditional or standard. Example: Conventionally speaking, wearing black is considered appropriate for a funeral.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Not conventionally speaking.

The New York Times

"Conventionally speaking, well-organized and effectively deployed grass-roots forces can make a three- or four-point difference on Election Day".

The New York Times

Conventionally speaking, not much changes when hentai transitions from two dimensions to three.

Vice

Conventionally speaking, if your violent gangster movie ends with a documentary-style interview of Deepak Chopra discussing the finer points of egocentrism, you've either discovered a groundbreaking new genre or committed creative suicide.

Vice

Conventionally speaking, some COIs are "actual," with an unambiguous potential for financial gain (e.g., the reviewer holds stock in an entity likely to be affected by the relevant regulatory action).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a sung-through musical with no conventionally spoken dialogue, the score dominated by Legrand's If it Takes Forever.

The Guardian - Film

Conventionally, we speak of two major sectors in the economy, the private and the public.

Forbes

This is true if strength and passion are taken to mean what they conventionally mean when speaking of novelists.

The New Yorker

This is conventionally true because generally speaking there is more overall happiness and less overall pain and suffering when one part of such a series identifies with other parts of the same series.

SEP

Epictetus does sometimes speak, conventionally for a Greek, of "gods" in the plural, but Zeus remains unquestionably supreme: he enjoys having some company, just as we do (3.13.4), but does not require assistance and cannot be opposed.

SEP

The most believably — or at least conventionally — human Holmes in the TV canon isn't, strictly speaking, Holmes at all, but the University of Edinburgh lecturer Dr. Joseph Bell in the BBC series "Murder Rooms: The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes" (2000-1).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conventionally speaking" to introduce statements that reflect widely accepted norms or traditional viewpoints. It adds context by indicating the basis of your claim in established practices.

Common error

Avoid using "conventionally speaking" to introduce a personal opinion or a novel idea. This phrase suggests adherence to established norms, and misusing it can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventionally speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, typically used to introduce a statement representing common or traditional viewpoints. It sets a contextual frame, signaling that what follows is based on widely accepted norms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conventionally speaking" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to introduce statements based on established norms and traditions. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct phrase. While not exceedingly common, it appears across varied contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. To use it effectively, ensure the following statement aligns with generally accepted viewpoints and avoid using it for personal opinions. Alternatives like "generally speaking" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

This alternative omits the emphasis on tradition, focusing on a broader common view; more general.

typically speaking

This alternative shifts focus to what usually happens, not necessarily what is traditionally accepted.

ordinarily speaking

This alternative focuses on what is normal or expected, differing slightly from tradition.

normally speaking

Focuses on what is considered usual, rather than what is dictated by convention; slightly less formal.

broadly speaking

This alternative indicates a less precise, more encompassing perspective.

widely speaking

Emphasizes the extent to which a view is held, rather than the conventional nature of it.

commonly speaking

This focuses on the popularity of a viewpoint, rather than its basis in tradition.

historically speaking

This refers specifically to a historical perspective rather than a general or conventional one.

habitually speaking

Implies a pattern of speech, not a widely accepted view.

generically speaking

This suggests a broad category, losing the specific nuance of convention.

FAQs

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

"Conventionally speaking" is used to introduce a statement that is generally accepted as a standard or norm. For example, "Conventionally speaking, wearing black is appropriate for funerals".

What's a good substitute for "conventionally speaking"?

Alternatives include "generally speaking", "typically speaking", or "ordinarily speaking", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "conventionally speaking"?

Use "conventionally speaking" when you want to emphasize that a statement is based on established custom or tradition. It's suitable when discussing norms, standards, or widely accepted practices.

Is there a difference between "conventionally speaking" and "traditionally speaking"?

While similar, "conventionally speaking" implies adherence to current norms, whereas "traditionally speaking" specifically references customs passed down through generations. The choice depends on whether the emphasis is on current practice or historical roots.