traditionally speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"traditionally speaking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that has been done as a custom or practice in the past. For example, "Traditionally speaking, white lilies are used as a symbol of purity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Traditionally speaking, I'm not a big stickler for accuracy.

The Guardian - Film

Traditionally speaking, this is the rehearsal for the first meeting with the Wallabies next weekend.

Independent

Mfengu, also called Fingo, people living in Eastern Cape province of South Africa and traditionally speaking a Xhosa language (one of the Bantu languages).

Encyclopedia Britannica

How Noel Gallagher was once asked for his thoughts on Keane, a band comprising a singer, keyboardist and a drummer, and he replied, "Traditionally speaking, the three biggest twats in any band are the singer, the keyboardist and the drummer.

The Guardian - Music

Now, I am aware that Monday is, traditionally speaking, a day cats do not like.

Vice

Traditionally speaking, established, well known architects design their best projects in the later phases of their career -when they're in their 60's and 70's.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He has been traditionally spoken of in the same breath as Homer and Virgil.

The New Yorker

The movie is "We Have a Pope" or "Habemus Papam," the Latin words traditionally spoken after the election of a pope.

The New York Times

Mr. Lew will join Mr. Obama on Saturday night for annual Alfalfa Club dinner, a formal gathering of Washington elites at which presidents traditionally speak.

The New York Times

The Cantonese-versus-Mandarin debate is fierce even in Chinatowns in the United States, where many residents traditionally spoke Cantonese or a related dialect, Taishanese, because their families came from Guangdong Province.

The New York Times

Labov explained that locals in such areas as northern Ohio and Michigan traditionally spoke precise English because they wanted to distinguish themselves from the speakers of Southern dialects in their states — a split that seems to go back to the Civil War.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "traditionally speaking", ensure that the tradition you are referencing is widely understood or briefly explain it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "traditionally speaking" when describing contemporary trends. Instead, use it to specifically highlight practices rooted in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traditionally speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a sentence by providing context about the historical or customary basis of the statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it introduces information related to past practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "traditionally speaking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase employed to provide historical or customary context to a statement. As Ludwig AI points out, it's generally considered correct and functions to frame information within established customs. While the frequency of its use is common across news, encyclopedias and science, it's essential to use it accurately, ensuring that the context indeed pertains to past traditions rather than current trends. Alternatives like "conventionally speaking" or "according to tradition" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to tradition

Clearly states something aligns with traditional practices.

conventionally speaking

Emphasizes adherence to established customs or norms.

customarily speaking

Highlights the role of habit and long-established practice.

in traditional terms

Highlights that the discussion is framed within traditional standards.

historically speaking

Focuses on the past and the way things were done in history.

by tradition

A more concise way of indicating something is based on tradition.

by long-standing practice

Highlights the prolonged and established nature of the practice.

in the old days

Refers to a time in the past, often with a nostalgic tone.

in former times

A more formal way to refer to the past.

as was the custom

Directly states something was done according to custom.

FAQs

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

You can use "traditionally speaking" to introduce a statement about a practice or belief from the past. For example, "Traditionally speaking, the bride's family pays for the wedding."

What is an alternative to "traditionally speaking"?

Alternatives include "conventionally speaking", "historically speaking", or "according to tradition", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "traditionally speaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "traditionally speaking" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to reference historical practices or customs to provide context or background information.

What's the difference between "traditionally speaking" and "generally speaking"?

"Traditionally speaking" refers specifically to practices or beliefs rooted in the past, while "generally speaking" refers to what is typically or commonly true. The former references a custom, the latter a commonality.