physically speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physically speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you talking about physical characteristics or states, or when you want to separate physical facts from abstract ones. For example: "Of course, physically speaking the heavy box was impossible to move, but with the right tools we were able to do it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Physically speaking, we were perhaps a little better off than England.

The Guardian - Sport

"Physically speaking, they're stronger than their audience, which creates a different power dynamic than with female strippers.

Independent

It was difficult being told to let it all hang out, physically speaking, by a creature so obviously... buffed.

The Guardian

"Bread is the goal of their insurrection, physically speaking," reported a police observer, "but the Constitution of 1793 is its soul".

Encyclopedia Britannica

How is it, for example, that when someone sees red (which physically speaking is electromagnetic waves of a particular frequency) there is also a subjective feeling of redness?

The New York Times - Science

Asked whether the comparison was fair, Ferrero said that Moyá had been "worse than me, physically speaking," when he lost in Madrid, insisting that he still hoped that his own health problems would evaporate.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Unable to physically speak after several strokes, Biggs responded to questions at a press event to publicise his book, Odd Man Out: The Last Straw by pointing to a word and letter board.

The Guardian

These words would be the only words he would speak that day and the last words he would physically speak ever.

Huffington Post

Physically spoken, the postbuckling behaviour and the rupture of the layer after balance branching have to be described.

BioMed Research International

Physically spoken the human organ of the penis is to be defined with its physical (mostly elastic-mechanical) properties, its structural build-up and the properties of the differential geometrical body.

BioMed Research International

Selfish yes, but if you think about it we are born selfish psycho-physically speaking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "physically speaking" to clearly delineate when you are discussing the physical aspects of a subject, especially when contrasting it with mental, emotional, or abstract elements.

Common error

Avoid using "physically speaking" when the topic is clearly not related to physical attributes or phenomena. For instance, don't say "Physically speaking, this strategy will improve market share" as it's not about a tangible physical attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a sentence by specifying that the statement being made pertains specifically to the physical aspects or characteristics of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physically speaking" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify that a statement pertains to the physical aspects of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, noting its use in diverse sources like news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase is valuable for ensuring clarity in discussions by delineating physical considerations from other perspectives. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it in contexts where physical attributes are relevant to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "in physical terms" and "from a physical standpoint" can provide similar clarity depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in physical terms

Emphasizes the aspect of physical dimensions or considerations.

from a physical standpoint

Highlights a viewpoint based on physical characteristics or conditions.

regarding physicality

Focuses attention on the physical nature or state of something.

concerning the body

Directly relates to the physical attributes of a body.

on a bodily level

Indicates an experience or effect at the physical level of the body.

in a tangible sense

Implies that something is real and perceptible through touch.

from a corporeal perspective

Uses a more formal tone to refer to the body's existence.

as a physical matter

Suggests that a subject is discussed as a fact in physics or nature.

in terms of physique

Emphasizes the physical build and features.

body-wise

Offers a less formal, conversational way to talk about the body.

FAQs

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

Use "physically speaking" to specify that you are discussing the physical characteristics or state of something, like in the sentence: "Physically speaking, the athlete was in peak condition, but mentally, they were exhausted."

What are some alternatives to "physically speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "in physical terms", "from a physical standpoint", or "regarding physicality" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "physically speaking"?

It is appropriate to use "physically speaking" when you want to emphasize that your statement pertains to the physical aspects of a subject, especially in contrast to other aspects like mental or emotional states.

What's the difference between "physically" and "physically speaking"?

"Physically" is a general adverb that describes how something is done or exists in a physical way. "Physically speaking" is a phrase used to introduce a statement about physical aspects, often to contrast with other perspectives.