mildly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"mildly speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a less than forceful opinion. For example: Mildly speaking, I don't think the new policy is fair.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For when you see that people whom you trusted, whom the government trusted after all and allocated huge funds for certain purposes, and they are used, mildly speaking, not for the purpose they were allocated for, well how can you treat such a person?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

My instinct is to trust this man, so mildly spoken and full of precisely articulated reason.

The Guardian - Tech

A thin, tall, mildly spoken and conservatively dressed man, Ali is an elegant figure.

The Guardian

Dannatt, a mildly spoken man who conveys a palpable sense of moral rectitude, rejects the accusation out of hand.

The Guardian

Paradoxically, it has taken a mildly spoken economics professor to give Italy the political leadership it has lacked for so long.

The Economist

"I'm against this phenomenon which is imposed on us, against homosexuality, against non-traditional values to put it mildly, or speaking (plain) Russian: against pederasty and sodomy," she said.

Huffington Post

Again speaking mildly, Mr. Large goes on to state that "no other place has so dramatically encapsulated the highs and lows of our modern human experience".

The New York Times - Books

Mulder actually gets to see an alien spacecraft (albeit a mildly crummy one, visually speaking – the show appears to have blown its entire budget on the Roswell flashback) and late in the episode there's a montage of everything from Fema to Monsanto.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was an uncomfortable realization, to speak mildly.

The New York Times

This is the mode of social intercourse for visiting in our time: not to reassure, or to speak mildly, but to give voice to the outrageous, the never to be sorted out.

The New York Times

As I was saying about the bike lobby… I am tempted to let the fury of the reaction to my mildly heretical piece speak for itself, but, before I get burned at the stake, a few specific points.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mildly speaking" to introduce an opinion or statement that you want to present in a less forceful or direct manner. This can help soften potentially controversial or critical points.

Common error

Avoid using "mildly speaking" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes come across as too informal or colloquial in certain settings. Opt for more precise and direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mildly speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a statement to indicate that it is an understatement or expressed with moderation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mildly speaking" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce an understated opinion or statement. Ludwig AI indicates that it is suitable for written English. While relatively rare in usage, as shown by Ludwig's examples, it effectively softens potentially controversial points. Its primary context is in news and media. When aiming for a tempered expression, "mildly speaking" serves as a useful tool, though it may be best to opt for a more precise and direct language in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting it lightly

Similar to "mildly speaking", it softens the impact of a statement.

to put it gently

This alternative emphasizes a gentle approach in expressing an opinion.

to say the least

This phrase suggests understatement, implying more could be said.

euphemistically speaking

Using a mild or indirect term to substitute one considered too harsh or blunt.

in a subtle way

This highlights the subtlety with which something is expressed.

to understate the matter

This emphasizes the deliberate act of downplaying something.

if I may put it delicately

This suggests a careful and tactful way of speaking.

conservatively speaking

Expressing something in a cautious or moderate way.

to put it in a neutral tone

Implies the speaker is trying not to lean in one direction or the other.

in a restrained manner

This highlights the controlled and measured nature of the expression.

FAQs

What does "mildly speaking" mean?

The phrase "mildly speaking" is used to introduce a statement or opinion that is intentionally understated or expressed in a gentle way to soften its impact.

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

You can use "mildly speaking" to introduce a less harsh or direct version of your opinion. For example, "Mildly speaking, I wasn't impressed with the performance."

What are some alternatives to "mildly speaking"?

Alternatives to "mildly speaking" include "to say the least", "putting it lightly", or "to put it gently". These phrases also convey understatement.

Is "mildly speaking" formal or informal?

"Mildly speaking" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for casual conversation or writing where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.