intuitively speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intuitively speaking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to preface an opinion that someone is offering which is based on a feeling rather than on any facts. For example, "Intuitively speaking, I don't think this decision is going to have a positive outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Intuitively speaking, the problem is clear.

SEP

Intuitively speaking, x represents a search direction.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Intuitively speaking, the contents of mental states are causally relevant to mental activity and behavior.

SEP

He furthermore argues that hunting stag \ is\), intuitively speaking, a possible convention.

SEP

Intuitively speaking, time sequence is a set of numerical value collection according to chronological order.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Intuitively speaking, the image can be viewed as waves of the gray pixels.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He remarks that "some cases of harming that the doctrine intuitively speaks against are arguably not cases of intentional harming, precisely because neither the harm itself (nor anything itself causally very close to it) is intended" (1991, p. 511).

SEP

Others have noted that the notion of caring doesn't have to be restricted to close personal relationships and that one can intuitively speak of caring, in humanitarian fashion, about people one doesn't know (except by description).

SEP

Or, more intuitively spoken, the boundary of a 3D plant network separates its enclosed volume from its "outside" environment.

Applications in Plant Sciences

As expected intuitively, professionals speak more slowly, with less disfluencies and formulate shorter sentences, which makes their speech more adjusted for efficient listening and understanding by recipients.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

A similar point can be made about 'I', using a case of a person suffering complete amnesia, who intuitively still speaks of herself when she says, "I am alive", despite lacking true beliefs of identifying biographical information, and 'here', using a case of a person who is completely confused about where she is.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intuitively speaking" to introduce a viewpoint that is based on a feeling or instinct, rather than concrete evidence or logical reasoning. This sets the expectation that the statement is subjective.

Common error

Avoid using "intuitively speaking" as a substitute for providing evidence or logical arguments, especially in formal or academic contexts. Ensure the intuitive statement is followed by some form of justification or explanation to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intuitively speaking" functions as a discourse marker or adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig, it serves to introduce a statement or opinion that is based on intuition or a feeling rather than on concrete evidence or logical reasoning. It prepares the audience for a subjective viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intuitively speaking" is a useful adverbial phrase for introducing statements based on intuition rather than concrete evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a broad applicability, although it is less common in formal academic settings. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify that your statement is a feeling or hunch. Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. Alternatives include "based on intuition" or "from my gut feeling", which may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on intuition

Focuses on the foundation of the statement being intuition rather than explicitly mentioning the act of speaking.

it feels like

Expresses a subjective sensation or impression, directly relating to a feeling.

from my gut feeling

Emphasizes a personal, instinctive reaction or sense, making it less formal.

my hunch is

Highlights a speculative assumption or guess, which is based on intuition.

as I see it

Indicates a personal perspective or opinion, without necessarily implying it's based on intuition.

in my estimation

Presents a judgment or assessment, often based on experience or understanding, which can include intuition.

personally speaking

Emphasizes that the statement is a personal opinion or belief, separate from objective facts.

my understanding is

Highlights a comprehension or interpretation, which might be informed by intuition.

in my view

Presents a subjective viewpoint or perspective, often supported by personal experiences or insights.

if you ask me

Directly introduces a personal opinion, regardless of its basis in logic or feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "intuitively speaking" to introduce a statement that's based on your gut feeling or instinct. For example, "Intuitively speaking, I think the market will correct itself soon."

What are some alternatives to "intuitively speaking"?

Alternatives include "based on intuition", "from my gut feeling", or "it feels like", each varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "intuitively speaking" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "intuitively speaking" when you want to preface a statement that is based on a personal feeling or understanding, rather than hard facts or data. Use it cautiously in formal or scientific contexts.

Is "intuitively speaking" a formal expression?

While not strictly informal, "intuitively speaking" is generally better suited for conversational or less formal writing. More formal alternatives might include "based on preliminary assessment" or "according to initial understanding".