Making Generalisations in English

Making Generalisations in English

Hello, English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. We will look at the words and phrases you can use for making generalisations in English.

First, let’s understand what generalisation is.  When you make a statement which can be applied broadly to most but not all people or things mentioned, you generalise; for example, you can say that most men are better drivers than women. In this case, we used the word ‘most’ to generalise rather than state a fact; it is more polite to generalise than to say that men are better drivers than women, as it can be offensive towards women, and it leaves space for other people’s opinions. 

In today’s lesson, we will look at different phrases you can use for making generalisations:

• Generally/broadly speaking
• Tend to
• Typically
• On the whole
• All things considered
• Most of the time
• In the main
• By and large
• For the most part
• To a large/great extent

Generally/broadly speaking

Meaning: use the phrase to say that what you mean is true in most cases.

• Generally speaking, the standard of living is better than it was before the war.
• Broadly speaking, people who have dogs tend to have more friends than those who have pet cats.

Making generalisations in English

Tend to

Meaning: to be likely to do something; be prone to or have a habit of doing it.

• Buses in the city centre tend to be pretty crowded during the rush hour.
• Most people tend to go to bed earlier on weekdays.

   

Typically

Meaning: usually.

• Food in hospitals is typically lean and healthy.
• Sara typically gets 10 emails a day.

On the whole

Meaning: use the phrase to say that something is generally true.

• On the whole, people are more likely to eat meat than to be vegetarians.
• It isn’t easy working with children, but on the whole, it brings a lot of pleasure.

All things considered

Meaning: when all the positive and negative aspects of something are taken into account.

• All things considered, exercising is more important than what you eat when trying to lose weight.
• Human life is too short to worry about stupid things, all things considered.

Making generalisations in English

Most of the time

Meaning: ninety per cent of the time, in most cases.

• Racing pigeons return home most of the time.
• Most of the time, Monica had a cheerful view of life.

In the main

Meaning: generally.

• In the main, public response to the new law was positive.
• In the main, I agree with you.

By and large

Meaning: use the phrase to say that something is generally true.

• By and large, Martin was content with his job.
• People in the village, by and large, didn’t support the idea of the motor race passing through the village.

For the most part

Meaning: use the phrase to say that something is true most of the time.

• The citizens liked the new mayor for the most part.
• For the most part, men and women working for the company were well-educated.

To a large/great extent

Meaning: generally, mainly.

• It was, to a large extent, a very good offer.
• I think that accountants are, to a great extent, more capable of multitasking than other people.

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