more broadly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more broadly speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to expand the discussion to a wider context or to include a more general perspective on a topic. Example: "More broadly speaking, the impact of climate change affects not only the environment but also global economies and social structures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

More broadly speaking, exceptions to the prior-bad-acts rule have particular significance in the #MeToo era.

The New Yorker

And more broadly speaking, "there's an Afghan prejudice that wants to see an ISI agent under every rock".

The Guardian

War is usually thought of as violence between states or, more broadly speaking, political communities.

SEP

More broadly speaking, a problem that lots of healthcare startups run into is distribution.

TechCrunch

But more broadly speaking, there's this question of whether 3D printing can usher in an era of mass customization.

TechCrunch

More broadly speaking, Menlo Park and Palo Alto's slow growth policies are irresponsible from a regional and racial justice perspective.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In fact, they are likely to be more prevalent today, broadly speaking, than during most of the history of American higher education when few were expected, encouraged, or able to attend.

Huffington Post

This reasoning predominantly rests on the premise that the brain and a neural system are required to realize the complex computational processing that enables faculties such as anticipation, awareness, memory, self-reference, motivation, decision-making, learning, communication and more, which are, broadly speaking, attributes of what we call, the mind.

AoB PLANTS

But the M&S consumer is, broadly speaking, more middle class, more affluent, and they have the luxury of ethical concerns that a budget-anxious Primark shopper might not enjoy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The tensions are ultimately something of a stereotypical French stalemate: it's evident that more taxicabs are needed and, broadly speaking, that more French citizens need jobs.

The New Yorker

The Anglo-Saxon countries are, broadly speaking, more competitive and individualistic than western continental Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more broadly speaking" to introduce a generalization or a wider perspective after discussing a specific detail. This helps to transition smoothly from the specific to the general.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "more broadly speaking", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your introductory phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more broadly speaking" functions as a discourse marker or sentence adverbial. It serves to introduce a general statement, a broader perspective, or a generalization following a specific detail or example. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more broadly speaking" is a versatile phrase used to signal a shift from specific details to a broader perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical function is that of a discourse marker, and it is primarily used in news and media and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's important to avoid overuse for a more impactful writing style. By using related phrases and understanding its typical usage, you can effectively incorporate "more broadly speaking" into your writing and speaking. The analyzed reliable sources confirm the wide applicability of the expression, showcasing its power to summarize and present in a broader way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Slightly shorter and more direct, omitting "more broadly".

more generally

A concise alternative focusing on generality.

in more general terms

Focuses on the generality of the terms used.

in broad terms

Similar to "in general terms" but slightly more concise.

in a general sense

Focuses on generality rather than the act of speaking.

from a broader perspective

Highlights perspective rather than the act of speaking.

considering the bigger picture

Highlights the act of considering a larger context.

in a wider context

Emphasizes the scope of consideration, not the act of speaking.

on a larger scale

Shifts focus to the size or scope being discussed.

to put it simply

Indicates a simplification for broader understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "more broadly speaking" in a sentence?

Use "more broadly speaking" to introduce a general statement that expands upon a previous, more specific point. For example, after discussing the details of a local issue, you might say, "More broadly speaking, this reflects a national trend".

What phrases are similar to "more broadly speaking"?

Alternatives include "generally speaking", "in a general sense", or "from a broader perspective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "more broadly speaking" formal or informal?

"More broadly speaking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in written or spoken communication where a degree of formality is expected. It can be used in news articles or academic papers, but can be used during conversations as well.

When should I use "more broadly speaking" instead of "in general"?

Use "more broadly speaking" when you want to explicitly highlight that you are shifting from a specific point to a more general one. "In general" is a more direct statement about overall trends, whereas "more broadly speaking" signals a transition in your line of reasoning.