Meaning
Generally; on the whole; for most cases.
Primary Function
Summarizing or generalizing statements.
Communicative Purpose
To convey that something is true overall even if there are exceptions.
Pattern
By and large
Core Structure
By and large
Função primária
Summarizing or generalizing statements.
Propósito comunicativo
To convey that something is true overall even if there are exceptions.
Situações de gatilho
When presenting an overview, making a broad claim about data trends, or summarizing opinions.
Contextos
Academic writing, formal reports, news commentary, everyday conversation where nuance matters.
Padrão
By and large
Estrutura central
By and large
Slots de substituição
A general statement or clause that expresses an overall truth
Colocados típicos
- it was a success
- I agree
- the system works
Substituições comuns
- On the whole
- For the most part
- Generally speaking
Erros comuns
By in large or By enlarge (spelling errors)
Similar / contraste
All in all, In the main (more formal alternatives)
Interferências
Remember it is an idiomatic phrase; do not split into separate words like ‘by’ + ‘large’
Família do chunk
- On the whole
- For the most part
Nuance
Slightly more formal than simply saying “mostly” and conveys acceptance of possible exceptions
Efeito pragmático
Signals that a statement reflects a general rule while allowing for individual cases to be noted later if needed
Dica de memória
General summary
Nota
This phrase is commonly used in both written and spoken English to summarize general trends or overall conclusions.
Upgrade path
Broadly speaking / Taking everything into account
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