Meaning
on the whole; in general
Primary Function
Making a generalisation
Communicative Purpose
To make a broad generalisation with possible exceptions
Pattern
by and large
Core Structure
by and large
Função primária
Making a generalisation
Propósito comunicativo
To make a broad generalisation with possible exceptions
Situações de gatilho
Giving summaries, concluding discussions, reporting findings
Contextos
Everyday conversation, academic speaking and writing, professional reports
Padrão
by and large
Estrutura central
by and large
Slots de substituição
(none)
Colocados típicos
- holds true acceptable successful favourable
Substituições comuns
- on the whole generally speaking overall
Erros comuns
by large (missing 'and')
Similar / contraste
on the whole more or less
Interferências
Learners may try to interpret it literally or omit 'and', saying 'by large'.
Família do chunk
- for the most part on balance
Nuance
Slightly less formal than 'on the whole', but very common in spoken academic contexts.
Efeito pragmático
Qualifies a universal claim by acknowledging minor exceptions.
Dica de memória
overall view
Nota
This fixed expression is often used in spoken and written contexts to generalize with a slight concession to exceptions. It is a common alternative to 'on the whole' and 'generally speaking'.
Upgrade path
generally → mostly → by and large
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