ordinarily speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinarily speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a general statement or opinion that reflects common understanding or typical behavior. Example: "Ordinarily speaking, people tend to prefer a balanced diet for better health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

My Burberry Black is not for the faint-hearted: big, blowsy roses and candied peaches kept warm by soft amber hardly blend seamlessly into the background and are, ordinarily speaking, just not my bag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This affect on working life was recognised as early as 1916: "Ordinarily speaking, the man who breaks his heel bone is done, so far as his industrial future is concerned".

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The way in which we ordinarily speak about calcium and lumps is clear and unambiguous.

The New Yorker

With regard to melodic traits, one cannot ordinarily speak of "main and contrasting themes" as in the classical and later concerto.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With regard to melodic traits, one cannot ordinarily speak of "main and contrasting themes" as in the Classical and later concerto.

Britannica

She points to research about teams and sports, where the color of someone's shirt can also be influential in who people tend to cooperate with, even across differences that we might not ordinarily speak with.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He does not ordinarily speak about himself.

HuffPost

At one point Mr Brown said the two men had held "full and frank" discussions - which is ordinarily diplomatic speak for a row.

The Guardian

Suddenly, his speaking voice, ordinarily a faintly New Yorkish-sounding instrument, takes on a more primal ring.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hopefully, TCBC will help you get a fuller picture of the biggest stories in tech, with the perspective that you'd ordinarily only gain from speaking someone with deep, specific knowledge of the issues at hand.

TechCrunch

Either way, "To Swallow a Toad" is an honest voice from a narrator who ordinarily would not speak like this to us.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinarily speaking" to introduce a statement that reflects a common or typical perspective, especially when contrasting it with a specific exception or unusual situation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "ordinarily speaking" can sound slightly informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using "generally speaking" or "typically" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinarily speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a sentence to indicate that the statement being made is a general observation or a common perspective. It serves to introduce a statement of what usually happens or is generally believed to be true. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinarily speaking" is a grammatically sound and useful adverbial phrase for introducing general observations or common perspectives. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse sources, like News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, although its register is mostly neutral. For those seeking alternatives, "generally speaking" or "typically speaking" serve as close substitutes. Writers should ensure that its use is appropriate for the context, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Emphasizes a broad, non-specific perspective, similar to "ordinarily speaking" but potentially encompassing a wider range of situations.

typically speaking

Focuses on what is normal or expected, rather than just common, providing a slightly different nuance.

usually speaking

Highlights the frequency of something occurring, which is closely related to what is ordinary.

conventionally speaking

Stresses adherence to established norms or practices, adding a layer of formality.

normally speaking

Implies a deviation from a standard or expected state, similar to "ordinarily speaking".

under normal circumstances

Sets a condition of normalcy, suggesting a contrast to unusual situations.

in most cases

Quantifies the frequency of an event or situation, differing slightly in emphasis.

as a rule

Indicates a general principle or pattern, providing a more authoritative tone.

by and large

Suggests a broad overview with minor exceptions, similar to a general statement.

for the most part

Emphasizes the majority aspect, implying some exceptions to the general observation.

FAQs

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

"Ordinarily speaking" is used to introduce a general observation or common perspective. For instance, you might say, "Ordinarily speaking, people prefer sunny days."

What's a good alternative to "ordinarily speaking"?

Alternatives include "generally speaking", "typically speaking", or "usually speaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "ordinarily speaking" interchangeable with "in general"?

While similar, "ordinarily speaking" implies a more personal perspective or observation, whereas "in general" is more objective and factual. Consider the context to determine the best fit.

Can "ordinarily speaking" be used in formal writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct but might sound slightly informal in very formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "generally speaking" for a more elevated tone.