Meaning
in general; overall
Primary Function
Making general statements
Communicative Purpose
to convey a balanced opinion based on experience
Pattern
by and large
Core Structure
by and large
Função primária
Making general statements
Propósito comunicativo
to convey a balanced opinion based on experience
Situações de gatilho
formal and informal discussions, summarizing experiences
Contextos
conversations, meetings, written reports
Padrão
by and large
Estrutura central
by and large
Slots de substituição
None (fixed expression)
Colocados típicos
- results
- experiences
- opinions
Substituições comuns
- broadly speaking
- for the most part
Erros comuns
mishearing as 'by enlarge'
Similar / contraste
on the whole, generally speaking
Interferências
similar sounding words like 'enlarge'
Família do chunk
- generalization connectors
Nuance
Implies a general trend while allowing for occasional exceptions.
Efeito pragmático
Signals a broad generalization, softening the statement.
Dica de memória
Overall, in general
Nota
This idiomatic phrase is used to summarize or make general statements, often based on experience or observation. It is fixed and should not be altered in word order or structure. Common alternatives include 'on the whole' and 'generally', with 'by and large' being more informal and slightly folksy. Learners may mishear it as 'by enlarge' due to similar sounding words. It is commonly used in both speech and writing across various contexts, from informal to semi-formal. The phrase is acceptable in semi-formal contexts and conveys a wise, balanced opinion.
Upgrade path
generally → on the whole → by and large
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