generally speaking

IPA/dʒˈɛnəɹəli spˈiːkɪŋ/
IPA/dʒˈɛnɚɹəli spˈiːkɪŋ/

generally speaking — 慣用語

1. used to introduce a statement that is true in most situations, even if it does n

1.慣用語B1
釋義

一般來說

表示陳述在多數情況下成立

used to introduce a statement that is true in most situations, even if it does not apply to every single person or case

例句

Generally speaking, the northern parts of India receive more rainfall than the western regions.

Generally speaking，印度北部地區的降雨量比西部地區多。

sentence-initial position introducing a generalisation

Benjamin prefers tea over coffee, generally speaking, but he makes an exception in winter.

Benjamin 一般來說比較喜歡喝茶勝過咖啡，不過冬天他會破例。

mid-sentence position between commas

同義詞
  • by and large

    slightly more informal; common in both speech and writing

  • on the whole

    focuses on overall assessment; used when balancing positive and negative aspects

  • in general

    more direct and slightly more formal than 'generally speaking'

反義詞
  • strictly speaking

    used when giving an exact rule with no exceptions — the opposite approach to 'generally speaking'

文法句型

generally speaking + [statement]

用法筆記

Commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause. It can also appear mid-sentence, set off by commas. The phrase signals that the speaker allows for exceptions, so it is natural with words like 'usually', 'most', or 'tend to'.

常見錯誤

❌Generally speaking, I like this apple.
✅Generally speaking, I prefer apples over oranges.
💡The phrase works best with broad statements about categories or groups, not a single specific item.
❌Generally speaking, all birds can fly.
✅Generally speaking, most birds can fly.
💡Avoid using 'generally speaking' with absolute words like 'all', 'every', or 'never', since the phrase itself admits exceptions.