strictly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"strictly speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a point, and to make clear that what is being said is an absolute, literal interpretation of the given facts. For example, "Strictly speaking, the new law applies only to those 18 and over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strictly speaking, yes.

The New Yorker

Strictly speaking, they do.

The New Yorker

Strictly speaking, no.

The New York Times

Strictly speaking, that's true.

The New York Times

And, strictly speaking, that's true.

The Guardian - Opinion

Strictly speaking, this isn't true.

The New Yorker

Well, strictly speaking, not everyone.

The New York Times - Arts

Strictly speaking, that correct.

The Guardian

It is also, strictly speaking, an illusion.

The New Yorker

Strictly speaking, this is not our problem.

The New York Times

His answer is "strictly speaking, something else".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "strictly speaking" when you want to emphasize the importance of accuracy and avoid generalizations. It signals that you're focusing on a specific, precise interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "strictly speaking" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound pedantic or overly formal. Use it sparingly and only when a precise clarification is genuinely needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictly speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a statement to indicate that what follows is a precise or literal interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes accuracy and detail. Examples show it introducing corrections or qualifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strictly speaking" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce accurate and precise statements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and appears frequently in news and media, as well as in academic contexts. When aiming for clear communication, it's important to avoid overusing it and to consider alternatives like "to be precise" or "technically speaking" when appropriate. By following the best practices, you can effectively leverage "strictly speaking" to enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be precise

Focuses on highlighting accuracy and exactness in the statement.

properly speaking

Emphasizes adhering to established conventions or rules.

technically speaking

Highlights adherence to a technical or formal definition.

in a strict sense

Emphasizes a narrow and literal interpretation.

by definition

Draws attention to the inherent meaning of a term or concept.

in reality

Highlights the actual state of affairs, often contrasting with a common misconception.

in essence

Focuses on the fundamental nature or core meaning.

at a fundamental level

Highlights that the speaker is talking about basic aspects and principles.

if we're being literal

Introduces a perspective based on a word-for-word interpretation.

in a narrow interpretation

Limits the scope to a very specific and restricted understanding.

FAQs

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

"Strictly speaking", the term applies only to vertebrates with a backbone. Use it to add a precise detail.

What are some alternatives to "strictly speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "to be precise", "properly speaking", or "technically speaking" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "strictly speaking"?

It is appropriate to use "strictly speaking" when you want to provide a precise clarification or correction to a statement that might be generally understood in a different way.

What's the difference between "strictly speaking" and "technically speaking"?

While both phrases introduce a clarification, "strictly speaking" focuses on accuracy and precision, whereas "technically speaking" often refers to a more formal or technical definition.