widely speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widely speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a generalization or a broad perspective on a topic. Example: "Widely speaking, the impact of climate change affects all regions of the world, though the severity varies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some of us travel often and widely, speaking foreign languages fluently.

The New York Times

Since returning from Iraq in 2004 he has become a member of Iraq Veterans Against War and traveled widely speaking about the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison and his own decision to become a Buddhist conscientious objector.

Forbes

He traveled widely, speaking to audiences across the nation.

Wikipedia

AJ Jacobs (The Year of Living Biblically) A graduate of Ohio State University and former Fortune 500 sales manager, Reba Riley writes at The Huffington Post and Patheos.com, contributes regularly to television programming, and travels widely speaking about transformation, courage, health and healing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

(The couple also spoke in Shona, Zimbabwe's most widely spoken language, in a predominantly Ndebele-speaking city).

The New Yorker

Maithili is the most widely spoken language, although there are also Nepali-speaking (Pahadi) communities.

BMC Psychiatry

Russian was widely spoken.

The Economist

Jamaican Creole is also widely spoken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

English is widely spoken and understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

French is also widely spoken.

The Guardian - Travel

Three dialects of Occitan are widely spoken in the countryside.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely speaking" to introduce a broad generalization or overview of a topic, especially when summarizing complex information or providing a simplified perspective.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "widely speaking" in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your introductions with alternatives like "generally speaking" or "broadly speaking" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely speaking" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase, setting the stage for a general statement or summary. It modifies the subsequent clause by indicating that the information presented is a broad overview rather than a detailed analysis. Ludwig examples show it introducing general observations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widely speaking" is a grammatically correct introductory phrase used to introduce a generalization or broad perspective. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources and serves to simplify complex information for the reader. Alternatives such as "generally speaking" or "broadly speaking" may be more common and versatile, but "widely speaking" remains a valid option for setting the stage for a general discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

This alternative is a more common and interchangeable way to introduce a generalization.

broadly speaking

This alternative is very similar in meaning and usage, focusing on a wide scope.

in general terms

This phrase emphasizes summarizing information and is less focused on direct speech.

on the whole

This alternative suggests considering the majority or overall aspect of something.

by and large

This phrase is similar to "on the whole" but can sometimes imply minor exceptions.

for the most part

This alternative emphasizes the majority but acknowledges that not all aspects are included.

in most cases

This alternative highlights typical situations rather than universal truths.

as a rule

This phrase introduces a typical pattern or behavior that may have exceptions.

speaking generally

This is a more literal rephrasing, keeping the "speaking" element but less common.

in a broad sense

This alternative is appropriate when discussing general concepts or ideas.

FAQs

What does "widely speaking" mean?

"Widely speaking" is a phrase used to introduce a general statement or overview, often simplifying a complex topic. It suggests a perspective that is broad and not focused on specific details.

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

You can use "widely speaking" at the beginning of a sentence to preface a general point. For example: "Widely speaking, the company's profits have increased this year."

Are there alternatives to "widely speaking"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "generally speaking", "broadly speaking", or "in general" depending on the context.

Is "widely speaking" formal or informal?

"Widely speaking" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "generally speaking" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.