properly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "properly speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a more precise or formal way of saying something. For example, "Properly speaking, I should have told the truth from the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His ex-stepfather, properly speaking.

The New Yorker

None of this is history, properly speaking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Properly speaking, they do all of these activities at once.

The New York Times

"Properly speaking, there is no such thing as revenge.

The New Yorker

Although he came from the army's ranks, Diocletian was not, properly speaking, a soldier.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One is that it can't be thought about at all, properly speaking.

The New York Times

On the basis of this material Quill then moves on to drafting, properly speaking.

The Guardian - Tech

Which is why, properly speaking, there is no such thing as a Christian celebrity funeral.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was the son of Bavarian aristocrats, and properly speaking (as he always spoke) was called Loewenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg.

The Economist

Properly speaking, outsourcing means that companies hand work they used to perform in-house to outside firms.

The Economist

In Salonika, according to one account, he married a Torah scroll.It was not until 1648 that Sevi took himself properly speaking to be the messiah.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "properly speaking" to clarify a statement when there's a risk of misinterpretation. This ensures your audience understands the intended, precise meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "properly speaking" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly pedantic or pretentious in contexts where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a sentence or clause to introduce a more accurate or precise statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to offer a refined or technical perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "properly speaking" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce precision and accuracy into your writing. It signals a shift to a more formal or technical definition, enhancing clarity and preventing misinterpretations. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse sources such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While highly valuable for formal and academic writing, remember to exercise caution in informal settings where its use might come across as overly pedantic. Alternatives like "strictly speaking" or "to be precise" can offer similar clarity while maintaining a more adaptable tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly speaking

Emphasizes adherence to a strict definition or rule.

to be precise

Highlights the act of providing a more exact or accurate statement.

technically

Indicates that a statement is accurate in a formal or technical sense, even if it might seem otherwise in everyday language.

in a strict sense

Focuses on the narrow or literal meaning of a term or concept.

by definition

Highlights that something is true based on the accepted meaning of a word or phrase.

more accurately

Suggests a refinement of a previous statement for increased correctness.

in reality

Contrast something that is perceived with how it really is.

if you want to be exact

Highlights a wish for exactness on something.

putting it precisely

Highlights a wish for preciseness on a statement.

to put it correctly

Highlights a wish for correctness on a statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "properly speaking" to introduce a more precise or formal definition or explanation. For example, ""Properly speaking", a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable."

What can I say instead of "properly speaking"?

Alternatives to "properly speaking" include "strictly speaking", "to be precise", or "technically" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "properly speaking"?

It is appropriate to use "properly speaking" when you want to offer a more accurate or formal definition or explanation, especially when the common understanding might be imprecise or incorrect.

What is the difference between "properly speaking" and "in a manner of speaking"?

"Properly speaking" introduces a precise definition, whereas "in a manner of speaking" introduces a less literal or figurative expression. They have almost opposite meanings.