By and large
Hedging expression to soften claims
직역: By the wind and large (sailing terms)
Use it to summarize a situation while acknowledging that small exceptions exist.
15초 만에
- Used to describe a situation that is mostly true.
- Acts as a hedge to soften general claims.
- Works at the start or end of a sentence.
- Derived from old maritime sailing terminology.
뜻
Think of this as saying 'mostly' or 'generally speaking.' You use it when you want to describe a situation that is true in most cases, even if there are a few exceptions.
주요 예문
3 / 6Reviewing a vacation with a friend
By and large, the trip was amazing, despite the rain.
Mostly, the trip was amazing, despite the rain.
A manager giving feedback in a meeting
The new marketing strategy has been a success, by and large.
The new marketing strategy has been a success, for the most part.
Texting about a new apartment
It's a quiet neighborhood by and large, but the neighbors have a loud dog.
It is generally a quiet neighborhood, but there is one exception.
문화적 배경
The phrase originated in the 17th-century British Royal Navy as a technical sailing term. It transitioned into common English in the 1800s to describe anything that is generally true. It reflects the English cultural tendency toward 'understatement' and avoiding extreme, absolute claims.
The Comma Rule
If you start a sentence with `By and large`, always put a comma after it. It gives your listener a tiny 'breath' to prepare for your main point.
Don't say 'By and Small'
Even though 'large' is in the phrase, the opposite 'small' is never used. Idioms are fixed, so keep it 'large' even for small things!
15초 만에
- Used to describe a situation that is mostly true.
- Acts as a hedge to soften general claims.
- Works at the start or end of a sentence.
- Derived from old maritime sailing terminology.
What It Means
By and large is your best friend for making general statements. It tells your listener that what you are saying is true about 90% of the time. You aren't claiming to be 100% perfect or accurate. It’s like a safety net for your sentences. If you say a party was great by and large, you mean you had fun, even if the music was a bit too loud for ten minutes.
How To Use It
You can place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. You can also tuck it right at the end. It works perfectly as a transition to summarize a long story. Use it when you want to look at the 'big picture' rather than tiny details. It helps you avoid sounding too aggressive or overly certain. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a shrug and a nod.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when reviewing a project's success. Use it when a friend asks how your new diet is going. It’s great for writing emails where you need to give a general update. If you're at a restaurant and the food was good but the service was slow, use it then. It keeps the conversation moving without getting stuck on small complaints. It makes you sound thoughtful and balanced.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that require absolute precision. If a doctor asks if you're allergic to peanuts, don't say "By and large, no." That is a recipe for disaster! Avoid it in legal contracts or math problems. It’s too vague for high-stakes safety instructions. Also, don't use it if you are actually angry. If you say "By and large, I like you," it might sound like you’re listing reasons why you don't!
Cultural Background
This phrase actually comes from old sailing days. By meant sailing into the wind, and large meant sailing with the wind behind you. So, by and large meant the ship could handle any wind direction. It was a compliment for a very reliable boat. Today, we use it to show that a situation is reliable or generally true across the board.
Common Variations
You might hear people say for the most part or generally speaking. Some people use on the whole in more academic settings. In very casual chats, you might just hear mostly. However, by and large has a classic, sophisticated feel that those others lack. It makes you sound like you’ve really considered all sides of the story.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is incredibly versatile and fits into almost any register except the most strictly technical. Be careful not to over-use it in a single conversation, or you might sound like you are avoiding taking a firm stance.
The Comma Rule
If you start a sentence with `By and large`, always put a comma after it. It gives your listener a tiny 'breath' to prepare for your main point.
Don't say 'By and Small'
Even though 'large' is in the phrase, the opposite 'small' is never used. Idioms are fixed, so keep it 'large' even for small things!
The 'Polite' Filter
British speakers often use this to avoid being too direct. If someone says 'By and large, the dinner was good,' they might be politely hiding that the dessert was terrible.
예시
6By and large, the trip was amazing, despite the rain.
Mostly, the trip was amazing, despite the rain.
Summarizes the overall experience while mentioning a small negative.
The new marketing strategy has been a success, by and large.
The new marketing strategy has been a success, for the most part.
Professional way to report success without claiming perfection.
It's a quiet neighborhood by and large, but the neighbors have a loud dog.
It is generally a quiet neighborhood, but there is one exception.
Sets a general expectation before adding a 'but'.
By and large, I enjoyed the film, though the ending was weird.
Generally speaking, I enjoyed the film.
Allows for a nuanced opinion on art.
He's a great roommate, by and large, if you ignore the mountain of dishes.
He is mostly a great roommate, except for the dishes.
Uses the phrase to highlight a glaring exception for comedic effect.
I'm feeling much better now, by and large.
I am feeling mostly better now.
Expresses general improvement while remaining cautious.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a generally good day.
___, it was a productive Monday, even though I missed my morning coffee.
The speaker is making a general claim that admits a small exception (missing coffee).
Where does the phrase fit best in this professional sentence?
The project is on schedule, ___.
The phrase is an idiom that cannot be rearranged or changed to 'small'.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Scale of 'By and Large'
Mostly / Basically
Basically, it was fine.
By and large
By and large, the party was a hit.
In the main / Predominantly
The results were, in the main, positive.
When to use 'By and Large'
Performance Reviews
You've done a great job, by and large.
Travel Stories
The weather was good by and large.
Restaurant Reviews
By and large, the food was tasty.
Personal Habits
I eat healthy, by and large.
자주 묻는 질문
12 질문It means 'mostly' or 'on the whole.' You use it to describe a general situation while ignoring small exceptions.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends at a pub without sounding weird.
Yes! For example: 'The event was a success, by and large.' It acts as a concluding thought.
Yes, but it sounds slightly more sophisticated and balanced. It suggests you have weighed both the good and the bad.
It's an old sailing term. 'By' meant sailing into the wind, and 'large' meant sailing with the wind. Together, they meant the ship was performing well in all conditions.
No, that is not a phrase. The idiom is fixed as by and large and cannot be changed.
Yes, it is very common in both British and American English. It is understood globally by English speakers.
If it starts a sentence, use a comma: 'By and large, I agree.' If it's at the end, just a period: 'I agree, by and large.'
Yes, you can say 'By and large, the team is very talented.' It refers to the group as a whole.
Avoid it when you need to be 100% precise, like in a scientific report or when giving emergency directions.
Not exactly. While it doesn't add hard data, it adds 'nuance' and shows you aren't making an exaggerated claim.
Not at all. It is a timeless expression that remains very popular in modern journalism and business.
관련 표현
On the whole
Considering everything; in general.
For the most part
In most cases; usually.
Generally speaking
Used to introduce a statement that is true in most cases.
All in all
When everything is considered; in summary.
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