virtually speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics related to virtual environments, online interactions, or metaphorical situations. Example: "Virtually speaking, the meeting was a success, as everyone participated actively despite being miles apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He's catching feelings, riding the speedy beat, virtually speaking in tongues.

The New York Times - Arts

In Global Network Courses, students learn from leading faculty, wherever they are in the world, and study alongside (virtually speaking) students at other member schools.

Yale University

Then, suddenly, cacio e pepe was everywhere, virtually speaking at least, a million slick strands of cheesy spaghetti clogging up social media like a vast hipster hairball.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the second verse of "LVL" he raps with Big Pun dexterity, but prettier, moving effortlessly from words to onomatopoeic sounds, thickening the density of his flow the whole while until he's virtually speaking in tongues.

The New York Times - Arts

Name producers have been lining up to work with him, including Sohn and Dave "the Invisible" Okumu, and he's had multiple thousands queuing up, virtually speaking, to stream his music on SoundCloud.

The Guardian - Music

Virtually speaking, of course.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They seemed to have virtually stopped speaking when the old contract lapsed at the end of last year.

Huffington Post

They arrived nearly broke, and speaking virtually no English.

Forbes

Virtually all spoke of feeling alone, of not trusting anyone.

The New York Times

But virtually none speak out publicly, a testament to Mr. Mbeki's unhealthy level of control.

The New York Times

But the melting pot is still bubbling: adult immigrants work, and their children virtually all speak English.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually speaking" to introduce an analogy or comparison to a digital or non-physical realm. It adds a layer of abstraction or qualification to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually speaking" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement to indicate that it is true in a virtual or metaphorical sense, rather than literally. Ludwig examples show it qualifies situations, offering a nuanced perspective.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Virtually speaking" serves as a qualifier, indicating that a statement is true in a virtual or metaphorical sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, though it's more common in news and media than in highly formal writing. When in doubt, consider more precise language for formal settings. Alternatives like "in a virtual sense" or "metaphorically speaking" offer similar meanings, each with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a virtual standpoint

Emphasizes the perspective being virtual

in a virtual sense

Replaces "speaking" with "sense", focusing on the conceptual aspect of virtuality.

virtually

A shorter, more direct way to express something is almost or nearly true

in a figurative sense

Similar to "in a virtual sense", but emphasizes the metaphorical nature.

metaphorically speaking

More direct in stating the use of a metaphor.

so to speak

A more general idiom for indicating approximation or qualification.

in essence

Focuses on the core meaning, rather than the virtual aspect.

practically speaking

Shifts the focus to practical considerations, rather than virtual ones.

for all intents and purposes

Indicates that something is true in effect, even if not in reality.

in reality

Offers a direct contrast to the virtual or metaphorical.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtually speaking" to qualify a statement, indicating it's true in a virtual or metaphorical sense. For example, "Virtually speaking, the project is complete, but some minor adjustments are still needed."

What are some alternatives to "virtually speaking"?

Some alternatives include "in a virtual sense", "in a figurative sense", or "metaphorically speaking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "virtually speaking" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "virtually speaking" might be perceived as slightly informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using a more precise or formal alternative if necessary.

What's the difference between "virtually speaking" and "literally speaking"?

"Literally speaking" means that something is true in a strict or exact sense, while "virtually speaking" implies that something is true in a virtual or metaphorical sense.