Generally speaking
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use it to share broad observations while politely acknowledging that exceptions always exist.
En 15 segundos
- A phrase used to describe general trends rather than specific facts.
- Acts as a 'safety net' to avoid being factually incorrect.
- Best used at the start of a sentence to set expectations.
Significado
You use this when you want to make a general statement without being 100% precise. It helps you talk about a trend or a common situation while acknowledging that there are always exceptions.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing office habits
Generally speaking, people in this office prefer to eat lunch at their desks.
Generally speaking, people in this office prefer to eat lunch at their desks.
Giving travel advice
Generally speaking, the trains in Japan are always on time.
Generally speaking, the trains in Japan are always on time.
In a business meeting
Generally speaking, our customers are happy with the new update.
Generally speaking, our customers are happy with the new update.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the Anglo-American cultural preference for 'hedging,' which is a linguistic strategy to sound less bossy or dogmatic. It became a staple of academic and professional English in the 20th century to ensure speakers don't overstate their findings. Interestingly, it's often used by British speakers to soften a criticism before delivering it.
The 'Safety' Trick
Use this phrase if you're worried about someone correcting you. It's like a verbal shield that says 'I know there are exceptions!'
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you're afraid to commit to any opinion. Use it once per conversation for the best effect.
En 15 segundos
- A phrase used to describe general trends rather than specific facts.
- Acts as a 'safety net' to avoid being factually incorrect.
- Best used at the start of a sentence to set expectations.
What It Means
Generally speaking is your best friend when you want to avoid being wrong. It tells your listener, "I'm talking about the big picture, not every single detail." Think of it like a soft filter on a camera. It blurs the sharp edges of a fact so you don't sound too aggressive or narrow-minded. If you say "It's hot in Spain," someone might argue. If you say, Generally speaking, it's hot in Spain," you're safe from the weather police.
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a signal flare. It warns people that a generalization is coming. You can also drop it in the middle of a sentence after the subject. For example: "Dogs, generally speaking, are easier to train than cats." It usually requires a comma after it if you start the sentence. It’s like a verbal speed bump that lets you transition into a broad topic smoothly.
When To Use It
You'll use this in meetings when discussing trends. Use it with friends when talking about people's habits. It’s perfect for those moments when you don't have the exact statistics. At a restaurant, you might say, "Generally speaking, the seafood here is great." It shows you have experience but aren't claiming to be an expert on every single dish. It makes you sound thoughtful and observant rather than impulsive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this when you need to be precise. Don't use it in a legal contract or a math problem. If your partner asks, "Do you love me?" do NOT say, "Generally speaking, yes." That is a one-way ticket to the doghouse. Also, don't use it if you are 100% sure of a specific fact. Using it for something obvious like "Generally speaking, the sun is bright" just sounds weird and robotic.
Cultural Background
English speakers love "hedging." This is a cultural habit of avoiding direct conflict or absolute claims. We often feel that being too direct is a bit rude or arrogant. By using generally speaking, you show intellectual humility. It suggests you are open to other perspectives. It’s a very "polite society" way of sharing an opinion without forcing it on others.
Common Variations
Broadly speaking: Use this for even bigger, more abstract concepts.In general: A shorter, slightly more casual version.By and large: A more idiomatic, old-fashioned way to say the same thing.On the whole: Good for summarizing a long story or experience.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any register. Just be careful not to use it when someone is asking for a specific, data-driven answer.
The 'Safety' Trick
Use this phrase if you're worried about someone correcting you. It's like a verbal shield that says 'I know there are exceptions!'
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you're afraid to commit to any opinion. Use it once per conversation for the best effect.
The British Softener
In the UK, this is often used before a 'but.' For example: 'Generally speaking, your work is good, but...' This usually means the 'but' part is the most important.
Ejemplos
6Generally speaking, people in this office prefer to eat lunch at their desks.
Generally speaking, people in this office prefer to eat lunch at their desks.
Softens the observation about coworkers.
Generally speaking, the trains in Japan are always on time.
Generally speaking, the trains in Japan are always on time.
Communicates a reliable trend to a friend.
Generally speaking, our customers are happy with the new update.
Generally speaking, our customers are happy with the new update.
Allows for the possibility that a few customers might be unhappy.
Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of horror movies, but this one was great!
Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of horror movies, but this one was great!
Establishes a baseline preference before sharing an exception.
Generally speaking, my plants have a very short lifespan once they enter my house.
Generally speaking, my plants have a very short lifespan once they enter my house.
Uses a formal phrase to describe a personal failure for comedic effect.
Generally speaking, it's hard to stay friends with an ex right away.
Generally speaking, it's hard to stay friends with an ex right away.
Provides a gentle, generalized perspective on a sensitive topic.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a broad observation.
___, the summers here are quite humid.
Since the speaker is talking about a broad weather pattern, 'Generally speaking' is the natural choice.
Where does the phrase fit best in this sentence?
The project was a success, ___.
The phrase can be used at the end of a sentence to summarize the overall result.
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Formality Level of 'Generally Speaking'
In general / Mostly
Mostly, I stay in.
Generally speaking
Generally speaking, I stay in.
Broadly speaking / On the whole
Broadly speaking, the data suggests...
When to use 'Generally Speaking'
Giving Advice
Generally speaking, don't walk there at night.
Reporting Trends
Generally speaking, sales are up.
Personal Habits
Generally speaking, I'm a morning person.
Reviewing Food
Generally speaking, the pasta is better than the pizza.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means you are talking about what is true in most cases, but not necessarily every case. For example, Generally speaking, it's cold in winter acknowledges that some winter days might be warm.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss in a meeting or with your friends at a bar without sounding out of place.
Usually at the start: Generally speaking, I like coffee. You can also put it in the middle: I, generally speaking, like coffee.
Yes, it is very common in academic writing to avoid making 'sweeping generalizations' that might be proven wrong.
They mean the same thing, but Generally speaking sounds slightly more conversational and fluid in speech.
Almost. Broadly speaking is used for even larger categories or very complex ideas, while generally speaking is for everyday patterns.
Absolutely! Use it to describe your own habits, like Generally speaking, I go to bed early.
When it starts a sentence, yes. Example: Generally speaking, the movie was okay.
Yes, though it might feel a bit long. In a quick text, people often just say Usually or In general instead.
People sometimes say General speaking (forgetting the 'ly'). Always remember the ly on Generally!
Frases relacionadas
By and large
Considering everything; in general.
For the most part
Mostly or usually.
On the whole
Taking everything into account.
As a rule
What usually happens or what is usually true.
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