moderately speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moderately speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a viewpoint or opinion that is not extreme, but rather balanced or moderate. Example: "Moderately speaking, the new policy has both advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rebels from more secular-minded or more moderately Islamist groups speak openly of a second war to come against Jabhat al-Nusra.

The Economist

"The leadership of Islam in France, the Conseil Français du Culte Musulman, speaks moderately in public but it is aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is an Islamist movement.

Independent

That has nothing at all to do with money, and it's a load of bollocks.' Oliver sounds heartfelt when he talks about all this, and it is moderately plucky to speak of about plasma screens and dole money in the same breath as the need for what he calls his 'do-gooding'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A number of CIs and end-users of high and moderately impactful projects spoke of projects as a place where future research and service 'leaders' were trained.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Speak moderately and methodically, and try not to have an annoying accent like valspeak.

WikiHow

So comparatively speaking, it is moderately priced.

The New York Times - Travel

Generally speaking, General Motors starts to look moderately interesting if it falls below $50.

The New York Times

I used to be bad at public speaking and dreaded speaking engagements -- now I'm only moderately bad.

Huffington Post

Hamdi, who owns the silver shop next to the eyeglass store, spoke more moderately.

The New Yorker

Johnny knows that he's nowhere, and Dorff makes him rueful, exhausted, and no more than moderately interesting — he scarcely speaks a complete sentence in the entire movie.

The New Yorker

Mr. Stewart, who dresses in pinstripes and speaks more moderately than some in his camp, said in a debate here on Monday that the state flag had become a scapegoat for deeper racial and economic problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moderately speaking" when you want to introduce a perspective that balances different aspects or considerations, avoiding extreme or absolute statements. This adds nuance and precision to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "moderately speaking" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "somewhat" or "kind of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderately speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement, softening its impact or indicating a degree of qualification. According to Ludwig, it expresses a viewpoint that is not extreme, but rather balanced or moderate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moderately speaking" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a balanced or tempered viewpoint. While relatively infrequent, as noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for formal and professional contexts where nuanced communication is valued. Alternatives like "relatively speaking" or "to a certain extent" can be used to achieve a similar effect. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing or speech, avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively speaking

Focuses on comparison as the basis for moderation.

comparatively speaking

Highlights the act of comparing different aspects to reach a balanced view.

in a moderate sense

Emphasizes the degree to which something is true or applicable.

to a certain extent

Indicates limitation or qualification of a statement.

within reason

Suggests that something is acceptable as long as it is sensible and not extreme.

on the moderate side

Highlights the position of something on a scale.

generally speaking

Offers a broad, usually non-specific, perspective.

all things considered

Acknowledges multiple factors influencing a balanced judgment.

taking everything into account

Similar to 'all things considered', emphasizing a comprehensive evaluation.

in some respects

Indicates that a statement is true only in certain aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "moderately speaking" to introduce a tempered opinion or a balanced perspective. For example: "Moderately speaking, the new policy has both advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered."

What are some alternatives to "moderately speaking"?

Some alternatives include "relatively speaking", "comparatively speaking", or "to a certain extent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "moderately speaking" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "moderately speaking" is suitable for formal writing when you want to express a qualified or balanced viewpoint. However, consider whether a more direct alternative might be clearer or more concise.

What is the difference between "generally speaking" and "moderately speaking"?

"Generally speaking" introduces a broad generalization, while "moderately speaking" introduces a more tempered and balanced perspective. "Generally speaking" offers a broad overview, while "moderately speaking" acknowledges nuances and avoids extremes.