Meaning
Generally speaking; on the whole.
Primary Function
Evaluative summary – overall assessment
Communicative Purpose
To present a generalisation or overall impression.
Pattern
by and large
Core Structure
by and large
Função primária
Evaluative summary – overall assessment
Propósito comunicativo
To present a generalisation or overall impression.
Situações de gatilho
When you want to sum up a complex situation.
Contextos
Academic, Professional, everyday commentary.
Padrão
by and large
Estrutura central
by and large
Slots de substituição
none
Colocados típicos
- true
- successful
- favorable
Substituições comuns
- on the whole
- generally speaking
- for the most part
- overall
Erros comuns
Using “by and largely” (not a phrase).
Similar / contraste
on balance, to a large extent, mostly
Interferências
Nautical origin, but now just means “generally”.
Família do chunk
- Generalisation markers
Nuance
A convenient way to summarise without being absolute.
Efeito pragmático
Gives a balanced, mature overview.
Dica de memória
“By and large, …” – generally speaking
Nota
The phrase 'by and large' is used to make a general statement about a situation, acknowledging that there may be exceptions but emphasizing the overall trend or outcome.
Upgrade path
by and large → on the whole → taking everything into account
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