generally speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"generally speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a general overview of a situation or state a general opinion. For example: "Generally speaking, I think the new policy is a good one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Generally speaking".

The New Yorker

"Generally speaking, it's clockwise.

The New Yorker

Generally speaking, that remains true.

The New Yorker

Generally speaking, they are not.

The New Yorker

Generally speaking, yes.

Columbia University

Generally speaking, not much.

The New York Times

"Generally speaking, great".

The New York Times - Sports

Generally speaking, they don't.

Harvard Business Review

His touch, generally speaking, is fairly gentle.

Independent

"Generally speaking, the trends are similar".

The New York Times

Generally speaking, each community was fairly autonomous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally speaking" to introduce a broad statement or summary of a topic before providing more specific details or exceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "generally speaking" to support claims that lack evidence or are based on personal opinions rather than verifiable facts. Ensure your generalization is based on a reasonable amount of data or observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a sentence or clause by indicating that the statement is a generalization or an overall summary. Ludwig confirms the usability of this expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "generally speaking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce generalizations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's essential to ensure generalizations are supported by evidence to avoid oversimplification. Alternative expressions such as "in general" or "broadly speaking" can be used for variety. When using "generally speaking", remember it sets the stage for a broad overview before diving into specifics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

This alternative is a more concise way to express a generalization.

as a general rule

This alternative simply adds a bit more formality to the existing phrase.

broadly speaking

This alternative emphasizes the wide scope of the generalization.

on the whole

This phrase suggests a judgment based on the entirety of the information.

by and large

This alternative implies that the statement is true despite some exceptions.

in most cases

This phrase highlights that the statement applies to the majority of situations.

for the most part

This alternative indicates that the statement is mainly true, with some exceptions.

as a rule

This phrase presents the statement as a typical or standard occurrence.

typically

This alternative focuses on the usual or common way things happen.

ordinarily

This alternative emphasizes what is normal or customary.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally speaking" to introduce a broad statement or summary. For example, "Generally speaking, the weather is pleasant in the spring."

What phrases can I use instead of "generally speaking"?

Alternatives to "generally speaking" include "in general", "broadly speaking", or "on the whole".

Is it appropriate to use "generally speaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "generally speaking" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing to introduce a generalization. However, in very formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "as a general rule".

What's the difference between "generally speaking" and "specifically speaking"?

"Generally speaking" introduces a broad statement, while "specifically speaking" narrows the focus to a particular detail or aspect. They are essentially opposites in their function.