structurally speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "structurally speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the structure or organization of something, often in a technical or analytical context. Example: "Structurally speaking, the building's design allows for better airflow and natural light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Bioinformatics

Lingua Sinica

Geothermal Energy

Journal of Cheminformatics

BioMed Research International

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Structurally speaking, proteins consist of elements of secondary structure (alpha helices and beta strands) connected by loops.

Bioinformatics

This is due to the fact that, structurally speaking, Huang et al. would assign the same structure involving a Pro (cf. the structure in 33) to both 76a and a grammatical sentence like i.

Lingua Sinica

Structurally speaking, words are extremely loaded.

The New York Times - Arts

Structurally speaking, burial mounds are stable, but no one wants to live in one.

The New York Times - Sports

At a Congressional hearing this week, lawmakers hinted that the political climate might be ripe for things to look up in the District, structurally speaking.

The New York Times

The problem with that play, by Keith Huff, was that, structurally speaking, it wasn't really a two-character play at all, but a pair of monologues spliced together.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Embryology teaches us that, at conception, a fetus, genetically speaking, is structurally a human being.

Huffington Post

It wasn't "working," technically speaking: it was structurally correct, but missing the fine tracery of blood vessels that any human organ requires to operate.

Vice

Vaguely speaking equivalent IBD-sharing structures means that these structures correspond to structurally similar (exchangeable) genetic inheritance.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Languages use their resources differently for these purposes, but, generally speaking, each seems to be equally flexible structurally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to its questionable plot, the play, written by Michel Wallerstein and directed by Padraic Lillis, is structurally flimsy: long stretches of exposition are repeatedly delivered by Andrew speaking loudly into a cellphone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "structurally speaking", ensure that the subsequent statement clearly relates to the structural aspects of the subject under discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "structurally speaking" when the context does not pertain to the physical arrangement or organizational framework of something. For example, don't use it to discuss abstract concepts or opinions unrelated to structure.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase modifying a clause or sentence, typically introducing an analysis or description focused on structural aspects. This use is validated by Ludwig, exemplified in contexts ranging from protein structures to literary analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "structurally speaking" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce an analysis or description that focuses on the arrangement, organization, or composition of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts, including news and media, science, and formal business settings. It is a neutral phrase that lends a degree of analytical precision to discussions. When using the phrase, ensure that the subsequent statement clearly relates to the structural aspects of the subject under discussion. Avoid using "structurally speaking" when the context does not pertain to the physical arrangement or organizational framework of something. Alternative phrases include "from a structural standpoint" or "in terms of structure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in terms of structure

Focuses on the aspect of structure as a subject of discussion.

from a structural standpoint

Replaces the adverbial phrase with a prepositional phrase emphasizing a specific viewpoint.

considering its framework

Emphasizes the underlying support system or organizational structure.

from an organizational perspective

Similar to standpoint, it specifies the organizational aspect of an entity.

regarding its composition

Shifts the focus to the elements and arrangement of a whole.

with respect to its organization

Directs attention to how parts are arranged and function together.

concerning its architecture

Highlights the design and construction aspects.

compositionally speaking

This alternative is related specifically to the components and their arrangement in the whole.

anatomically speaking

This alternative is related specifically to the anatomy or physical structure of an organism.

layout-wise

This alternative is an informal way of referring to the arrangement or design.

FAQs

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

You can use "structurally speaking" to introduce a description or analysis that focuses on the arrangement, organization, or composition of something. For example, "Structurally speaking, the building's design allows for better airflow."

What are some alternatives to "structurally speaking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "from a structural standpoint", "in terms of structure", or "regarding its composition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "structurally speaking" formal or informal?

"Structurally speaking" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in analytical or technical discussions.

What does "structurally speaking" emphasize in a statement?

"Structurally speaking" emphasizes that the subsequent statement is specifically about the arrangement, organization, or physical composition of the subject, rather than other qualities or aspects.