otherwise speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "otherwise speaking" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adverbial phrase that typically follows a statement and is used to introduce an alternative way of saying or looking at something. Here are some examples: - "She is not qualified for the job, but otherwise speaking, she has a lot of potential." - "We weren't satisfied with the results, but otherwise speaking, the project was a success." - "The weather has been terrible, but otherwise speaking, everything is going well for us." In these examples, "otherwise speaking" is used to introduce a contrasting or alternative perspective to the previous statement. It can also be used to summarize or conclude a situation. For example: - "We had a few bumps along the way, but otherwise speaking, our road trip was amazing." - "He may not be the most skilled player, but otherwise speaking, he is a great team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As with the old politics, so with the rules of oratory – Corbyn is not an electrifying speaker; he ranged confidently if at times erratically from topic to topic, dipping into his notes when he remembered to, but otherwise speaking off the cuff.

The Guardian

Like: Use this word as an interjection to express that you are not otherwise speaking.

WikiHow

Dickens might well have wished it otherwise: speaking of his great predecessor, he wrote to a correspondent: "It is a great comfort, to my way of thinking, that so little is known about the poet.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But he otherwise spoke cautiously about American intervention by force.

The New York Times

Previous Fed chairmen gave speeches and appeared before Congress, but otherwise spoke very little in public.

The New York Times

The court said she "frequently berated, interrupted and otherwise spoke negatively to" the lawyer.

The New York Times

Tobón, whose manner is mild and sympathetic, unites parts of the community that might not otherwise speak to one another.

The New Yorker

An answer will jump out in your news feed, probably from your aunt in Boise you never otherwise speak to.

The New Yorker

And although Bernstein doesn't otherwise speak, he seems a frequent companion, thumping the podium and grunting as he goes.

The New York Times - Arts

The use of euphemisms in a document that otherwise speaks openly about conventional weapons systems also points to the discussion of nuclear weapons.

The Guardian

The zeal to do otherwise speaks volumes about anyone who would insist on their "freedom of speech" to use it, given all we know.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "otherwise speaking" to introduce a contrasting perspective or summarize a situation after presenting details. It provides a concise way to offer an alternative viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise speaking" in straightforward sentences where a simpler conjunction like "but" or "however" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "otherwise speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. It typically introduces a contrasting or summarizing perspective following a statement. Ludwig indicates its correct usage, which aligns with its function of modifying the sentence to provide an alternative viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "otherwise speaking" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrasting or summarizing perspective. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, though it's relatively rare. Its usage is primarily found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While effective for offering alternative viewpoints or summarizing, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding stilted. Simpler conjunctions like "but" or "however" may often be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "in other words" or "put differently" for similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in other words

This alternative offers a more direct and common way to rephrase a statement for clarity.

put differently

This phrase is useful for introducing a slightly different angle or perspective on the same topic.

to put it another way

This offers the same meaning as "put differently" but uses slightly different wording.

to rephrase it

A simple way to signal that the previous statement is about to be expressed in new terms.

stated another way

This alternative is suitable for formal contexts to re-explain a complex idea.

in simpler terms

This alternative emphasizes that the rephrasing will be easier to understand.

that is to say

This phrase signals a clarification or more precise explanation of what was just said.

more precisely

This specifies that what follows is a more exact or accurate version of the foregoing.

by way of explanation

This phrase introduces further details that serve to clarify the previous statement.

for clarification

This directly indicates that the subsequent statement aims to remove any ambiguity.

FAQs

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

Use "otherwise speaking" to introduce a different perspective or summarize a situation, for example, "The project had some setbacks, but "otherwise speaking", it was successful".

What are some alternatives to "otherwise speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "in other words", "put differently", or "to rephrase it" depending on the specific context.

Is "otherwise speaking" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "otherwise speaking" is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "stated another way" or "moreover".

What's the function of "otherwise speaking" in a sentence?

"Otherwise speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the sentence by introducing a contrasting or summarizing perspective.