generically speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"generically speaking" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to generalize a situation or comment, typically about abstract concepts rather than concrete objects. For example, "Generically speaking, politicians tend to make promises they have no intention of keeping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Generically speaking, that's a fair point.

The Economist

Cosmetic colours vary, formulas improve, but – generically speaking – the products themselves remain the same.

Independent

"Generically speaking, shikumen design is not inherently expensive," Mr. Barnes said.

The New York Times

Generically speaking, the iPad and other tablets are men's toys, while the Nook Color and other e-readers are more popular with women.

The New York Times

(If the title puts you in mind of "The Woman in White," the classic Victorian mystery by Wilkie Collins, you're not -- generically speaking -- that far off).

The New York Times

The question of how this changed, how Protestants came to stress their commonality with Catholics, is, generically speaking, the question of the day: How do mutual fear, hostility and suspicion give way to amity, or at least tolerance?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

(When is it fair to say "the government" generically when speaking about actions of both the Obama and of the Bush Administrations? Glenn Greenwald looks at that question, as did the Post, in an editorial on the state-secrets privilege).

The New Yorker

This principle states that only you (generically-speaking) can answer for your own life by detecting the meaning at any given moment and assuming responsibility for weaving your unique tapestry of existence.

Huffington Post

Jackson emphasized he was speaking generically, about the way veterans are treated in relation to younger, less-decorated players, leaguewide.

The New York Times - Sports

Prosecutors relied on secretly recorded tapes, in which Mr. Blanton could be heard speaking generically about his involvement in bombings, to win his conviction.

The New York Times

On another tape, this one made by a Blanton friend who had become an F.B.I. informer, Mr. Blanton can be heard speaking generically about bombings without admitting to anything specific about the 16th Street attack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generically speaking", ensure that the rest of your sentence aligns in register and tone. Avoid pairing it with overly casual or slang-heavy language to maintain consistency.

Common error

Avoid using "generically speaking" to make broad claims without acknowledging potential exceptions or nuances. Always provide context or qualifications to ensure your statement is accurate and not misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generically speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the statement being made is a generalization. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically acceptable. It serves to qualify the statement as true in a broad sense, acknowledging potential exceptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Generically speaking, this analysis shows that the phrase is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to introduce a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to qualify statements as generalizations, suitable for neutral to slightly formal settings. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "generally speaking" and "broadly speaking" offer similar nuances, and should be chosen based on the desired emphasis. The phrase is particularly effective when the author wants to indicate that the statement holds true in a general sense, without getting bogged down in specifics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Replaces "generically" with "generally", focusing on broad application rather than inherent characteristics.

broadly speaking

Emphasizes a wide-ranging perspective, similar to addressing a topic in general terms.

in general terms

Highlights the use of general language rather than specifics.

as a general rule

Introduces a statement that typically holds true, without necessarily being universally applicable.

on the whole

Indicates overall consideration, suggesting a comprehensive view.

for the most part

Highlights what is typically true, acknowledging that there might be exceptions.

in most cases

Focuses on common occurrences, suggesting a trend or tendency.

typically

Indicates what usually happens or is usually the case.

ordinarily

Indicates what happens under normal circumstances.

by and large

Highlights overall agreement or truth, even if not universally.

FAQs

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

You can use "generically speaking" to introduce a broad statement or generalization. For example, "Generically speaking, technological advancements have improved communication worldwide."

What's a good alternative to "generically speaking"?

Alternatives include "generally speaking", "broadly speaking", or "in general terms". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "generally speaking" or "generically speaking"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. However, "generally speaking" is more common and widely accepted. "Generically speaking" might be more appropriate when referring to inherent qualities or types.

When should I avoid using "generically speaking"?

Avoid using "generically speaking" in highly specific or technical contexts where precision is crucial. In such cases, more specific language would be more appropriate.