speaking generally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speaking generally" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when making a generalized statement, usually one that you believe is generally true or broadly accepted. Example sentence: Speaking generally, people are more willing to take risks when they believe the rewards outweigh the costs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was speaking generally about the potential".

The Guardian

SAUCKEL: Yes, speaking generally it may be true.

Yale University

"I don't do well with bureaucracy," he said, speaking generally.

The New York Times

But Garagiola, also speaking generally, said trade talks had intensified.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Bolding, speaking generally, said his conclusion was scientifically defensible.

The New York Times

"Nothing ever seems to go smooth," Cashman said, speaking generally.

The New York Times - Sports

NASA later clarified that the scientist was speaking generally.

The New York Times - Science

But just speaking generally makes me feel uneasy".

The Guardian - Music

"I think he was speaking generally," the spokesperson said.

The New York Times

"I think it's embarrassing," Teixeira said, speaking generally about the report.

The New York Times - Sports

Ryan, speaking generally about the offensive line after Monday's game, was blunt in his criticism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speaking generally", follow up with more specific examples or clarifications to enhance your statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "speaking generally" as an excuse for making unsubstantiated claims. Always ensure your general statements are rooted in evidence or common knowledge to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking generally" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause or sentence by indicating that the statement being made is a generalization rather than a specific instance. Ludwig examples illustrate that it's used to introduce broad observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speaking generally" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce generalizations. Ludwig's analysis reveals that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific discussions. While it's suitable for formal and informal settings, ensure that generalizations are substantiated with evidence or common knowledge. Remember to consider alternatives such as "generally speaking" or "broadly speaking" for variety. Finally, avoid over-generalizing without proper qualification to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

Inverts the order of the words but maintains almost identical meaning and function.

in general terms

Replaces "speaking" with "terms", focusing on the broad nature of the discussion.

broadly speaking

Substitutes "generally" with "broadly", emphasizing a wide-ranging view.

on the whole

Offers a more conclusive sense of overall assessment.

by and large

Similar to "on the whole", but with a slightly more colloquial tone.

as a rule

Emphasizes that the statement is typically true, but with possible exceptions.

in most cases

Highlights the frequency of the statement's truth.

for the most part

Indicates that the statement is mainly true, allowing for some exceptions.

typically

Offers a single-word alternative to express what usually happens.

ordinarily

Another single-word alternative, suggesting what is normal or usual.

FAQs

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

"Speaking generally" is used to introduce a statement that is true in most cases but may have exceptions. For example, "Speaking generally, people prefer warmer climates during the summer months."

What phrases are similar to "speaking generally"?

Similar phrases include "generally speaking", "in general terms", or "broadly speaking". All these phrases introduce a generalized statement.

Is it always necessary to provide specific examples after "speaking generally"?

While not always required, providing specific examples or clarifications after using "speaking generally" can strengthen your argument and make it more convincing. It helps to avoid misunderstandings and adds credibility to your statement.

Can I use "speaking generally" in formal writing?

Yes, "speaking generally" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure the context aligns with the level of formality. In highly formal or scientific contexts, consider alternatives that provide greater precision. However, the Ludwig AI analysis showed that its usage appears in many formal contexts.