in ordinary speech

USAGE SUMMARY

'in ordinary speech' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that the phrase or term is typically used in everyday language rather than in technical, scientific, or academic jargon. For example: "Gravitational force is often referred to as 'gravity' in ordinary speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But to this day there is no machine that can recognize arbitrarily chosen words in ordinary speech".

The New Yorker

It has never acquired a more precise meaning in the language of the law or in ordinary speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

Energy conservation in ordinary speech refers to preservation of resources, the provision of energy resources more efficiently or at lower cost.

Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences

We might doubt the promise by noting that in ordinary speech we repeat, retract, contradict, embellish, and digress continually in order to make our meaning more precise.

The New Yorker

In ordinary speech, profit usually refers to income derived from the ownership of aggregates or assets of all kinds organized in an enterprise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they do this after exposure to only a tiny fraction of the language much of which (in ordinary speech) is in fact grammatically defective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

We English-speakers are possibly unique in having both "liberty" and "freedom" in our ordinary speech.

The New York Times

He was an independent thinker who sometimes went back to the older tradition of the thirteenth century (e.g., in Peter of Spain), or advocated theories which were more in line with ordinary speech, as against the highly specialized views of his contemporaries.

SEP

The tendency in contemporary linguistics has been mainly to explain the highly complex events of ordinary speech in terms of transformations that occur in simple declarative sentences.

The New York Times - Books

Particularly perilous are the transitions between the instructional and the essayistic — passages reminiscent of the fraught moments in Broadway musicals when ordinary speech must lift into song.

The New York Times - Books

But even when their use was highest, the anger words occurred no more often than in most people's ordinary speech.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in ordinary speech" to clarify when you're discussing how a term is generally understood versus its technical definition. This helps avoid confusion and ensures your audience grasps the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "in ordinary speech" when discussing subjects that inherently require technical or specialized language. Its use is more effective when contrasting everyday language with formal or scientific jargon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in ordinary speech" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the context in which something is said or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in distinguishing everyday language from technical or specialized jargon.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in ordinary speech" is a versatile phrase used to distinguish common language from technical or specialized terminology. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. Alternatives like "in everyday language" or "in common parlance" can be used for slight variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure you're contrasting everyday language with a more specific context to avoid misapplication. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively clarify your intended meaning and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in everyday language

Focuses on the routine nature of the language used.

in common parlance

Highlights the widespread understanding and use of the term.

in layman's terms

Emphasizes simplification for a non-expert audience.

colloquially speaking

Indicates an informal and conversational style.

in simple terms

Focuses on the ease of understanding.

as commonly expressed

Highlights the conventional way of saying something.

in general usage

Emphasizes the broad and accepted use of a term.

in non-technical language

Contrasts with specialized or jargon-heavy language.

as people usually say

Highlights the typical way people phrase something.

in the vernacular

Emphasizes the local or regional dialect.

FAQs

How can I use "in ordinary speech" in a sentence?

You can use "in ordinary speech" to clarify that you are referring to the common, everyday usage of a term, as opposed to its technical or formal definition. For example, "Weight, in ordinary speech, often refers to mass, but in physics, it's the force of gravity acting on that mass."

What's a good alternative to "in ordinary speech"?

Alternatives to "in ordinary speech" include phrases like "in everyday language", "in common parlance", or "in layman's terms", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "in ordinary speaking" instead of "in ordinary speech"?

While not strictly incorrect, "in ordinary speaking" is less common and might sound awkward to some. "In ordinary speech" is the more established and widely accepted phrase.

What is the difference between "in ordinary speech" and "in formal language"?

"In ordinary speech" refers to the way people commonly talk in everyday situations, whereas "in formal language" refers to language used in professional, academic, or otherwise structured settings. The former tends to be less precise and more flexible than the latter.