more generally speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"more generally speaking" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to broaden the scope of a discussion by making a more general form of a statement that was just made. For example, "We've seen how the policy affects our town, more generally speaking, it could have a lasting effect on the state as a whole."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Artificial intelligence (AI) will undoubtedly play a big part in our future, but at this stage it seems like we're being asked to applaud services for being occasionally brilliant, but more generally speaking rather average.

Independent

More generally speaking, the vast field of 19th-century anthropology was subdivided into a series of increasingly specialized disciplines, using their own methods and techniques, that were given different labels according to national traditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More generally speaking, the more the images are altered, the more the EER values are increasing.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In [25], the main contribution is towards inverting ℋ s), or, more generally speaking, estimating s.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

More generally speaking, speaker-specific articulatory strategies are an important factor in explaining the articulatory variations [11].

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

More generally speaking, individuals may move abroad, because of their preference for democracy in the first place.

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

One more thing: generally speaking, apps do tend to be more expensive on Windows Phone which is something else budget buyers need to factor in to their evaluation of the 620.

TechCrunch

Will it help Mr. Gore, who has more experience in international affairs, or Mr. Bush, whose party is trusted by more people, generally speaking, on foreign policy issues?

The New York Times

Of course, the stocks could appreciate far more, but generally speaking, stock investors are buying a stream of earnings.

The New York Times

Although Sequoia has been making more efforts, generally speaking, to expand its geographic net ever wider, the connection between Sequoia and Nubank in Brazil is not exactly serendipitous.

TechCrunch

"The tablets have made teachers more confident, generally speaking," said one of the supervisors in the project.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more generally speaking", ensure the subsequent statement is genuinely broader and not just a restatement of the previous point.

Common error

Avoid using "more generally speaking" when it adds no value to the sentence. If the statement is already general, the phrase is unnecessary and can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more generally speaking" serves as a transitional expression, indicating a shift from a specific point to a broader perspective. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where it introduces a generalization based on previous statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more generally speaking" is a valuable transitional phrase that broadens the scope of a discussion. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. When incorporating it into your writing, be mindful of redundancy and ensure that it effectively introduces a wider perspective. Consider alternatives like "in a broader sense" or "on the whole" for variety. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a broader sense

Emphasizes a wider scope of consideration.

on the whole

Focuses on the overall picture or general trend.

as a rule

Highlights a common occurrence or standard practice.

in general terms

Stresses a lack of specific details or precision.

to put it simply

Indicates a simplified explanation for easier understanding.

in most cases

Acknowledges exceptions while emphasizing the typical situation.

typically speaking

Highlights common or representative examples.

by and large

Focuses on the main point despite minor details.

as a general principle

Refers to a fundamental idea or guideline.

in summary

Provides a concise recap of the key points.

FAQs

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

Use "more generally speaking" to introduce a statement that broadens the scope of the previous discussion. For example, "We've seen the impact on sales; "more generally speaking", this reflects a broader economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "more generally speaking"?

You can use phrases like "in a broader sense", "on the whole", or "as a rule" to achieve a similar effect.

Is it redundant to use "more generally speaking" in every context?

Yes, avoid using "more generally speaking" if the statement that follows is already general. The phrase should add value by broadening the scope, not just restating the obvious.

What's the difference between "more generally speaking" and "specifically"?

"More generally speaking" broadens the focus, while "specifically" narrows it down to particular details. They serve opposite purposes in guiding the reader's attention.