Generally speaking vs strictly speaking

Both 'generally speaking' and 'strictly speaking' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Generally speaking' is used to introduce a broad statement or opinion, while 'strictly speaking' is used to emphasize a precise or literal interpretation of something.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 730 views

Generally speaking

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a broad statement or opinion.

Use 'generally speaking' to introduce a statement that is true in most cases or as a general rule.

Examples:

Generally speaking, exercise is good for your health.
Generally speaking, people prefer sunny weather.
Generally speaking, dogs are loyal animals.

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Generally speaking, Americans like coffee.
Generally speaking, I like it when it rains.
Generally speaking, we agree with the remarks that he has just made on the substance of the report.
Generally speaking, the EPA budgets for social and economic services are fairly insubstantial if the aim is to protect regional domestic markets or offer alternative help with supply limitations.
Generally speaking, public aid to companies is already subject to those kinds of conditions.
Generally speaking, men are physically stronger than women.
Generally speaking, the climate of Japan is mild.
Generally speaking, it's mostly all I've had.
Generally speaking, they expressed the feeling of being somewhat deceived.
Generally speaking the Committee believes that effective mechanisms or precedents already exist here, obviating the need for additional instruments.
Generally speaking, this conflict brings three thoughts to my mind.
Generally speaking, I support you, but please do not demonstrate in the Chamber.
Generally speaking, greater financial input is required for changes to be effective.
Generally speaking, a ghastly place, reeking of virtue's sour smell.
Generally speaking competition on final customers is considered to work' [31].
Generally speaking, what we are witnessing in Belarus is quite simply a regression to a quasi-Soviet state.
Generally speaking there is a lacunae in the system of data recording concerning racist crimes in a lot of Member States.
Generally speaking, such companies relocate solely in search of maximum profitability - frequently failing to honour their commitments and disregarding the serious social and economic damage which they cause.
Generally speaking, it is important to capitalise on people's different perspectives and approaches.
No: Generally speaking, they would stay away from matters which are subject to some court proceedings.

Alternatives:

broadly speaking
in general
on the whole
for the most part
by and large

strictly speaking

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize a precise or literal interpretation of something.

Use 'strictly speaking' to indicate that what follows is the most accurate or literal interpretation of a situation, even if it may not be the most common understanding.

Examples:

Strictly speaking, the deadline is tomorrow at noon.
Strictly speaking, he is not the owner of the company.
Strictly speaking, the term 'unlimited' has some restrictions.

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It doesn't concern work strictly speaking, but I'm sure it'll make you happy, my dear.
Viruses and viroids should be considered as viable residues since they are capable of transferring genetic material, although strictly speaking they are not living.
So, strictly speaking, paragraph 6 is not about implementing the Doha Declaration.
Mr President, socio-economic context and political conditions often exacerbate what strictly speaking should purely be natural disasters.
The Commissioner claims that, strictly speaking, it is possible, even under current procedures, for these businesses to claim damages.
Only then, strictly speaking, can a careful, informed assessment of its content be carried out.
Some of the transactions of multiregional units cannot, strictly speaking, be regionalized.
The trouble is, however, that the European Union is not, strictly speaking, a State.
The ship then sailed under its own steam to Belgian waters, which, strictly speaking, is already against the rules, and was denied access to Zeebrugge and Ostend.
Although it is, strictly speaking, not a formal condition, we think it unavoidable for a country on the path to Europe to come to terms with its past.
The Commission did not submit that report within the stipulated deadline and, strictly speaking, should not have submitted this proposal to extend the decision without having provided the report.
The gap between the intervention price and the world price is wider than that at present; thus the reduction proposed through Agenda 2000 should be even greater, strictly speaking, as the President of the Court of Auditors reminded us in this House a few weeks ago.
That is not strictly speaking a correct analysis of the purpose of this particular additive.
Reform of the SGP is inevitable, partly because this instrument has, strictly speaking, been suspended since 25 November.
Of course, strictly speaking, but...
The body you bought was not, strictly speaking, human.
But, strictly speaking, you still took the bribe.
Though, strictly speaking, it certainly applies.
You know, strictly speaking, throttling the staff is my job.
Well, strictly speaking, he's a chipmunk.

Alternatives:

precisely speaking
literally speaking
technically speaking
exactly speaking
formally speaking

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Generally speaking vs strictly speaking