Grammar fix

by and large

generalising

Used to introduce a statement that sums up the main point or general trend, while allowing for some exceptions.

expressionC1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

By and large, people in my city are quite friendly.daily life
By and large, I think technology has improved our lives, although there are some drawbacks, like people spending too much time on their phones.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: by and large, [clause]

WrongBy in large, it's fine.

RightBy and large, it's fine.

It's 'by AND large', not 'by in large'.

Patternby and large, [clause]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff When considered in its overall generality, with minor exceptions notwithstanding, people were happy.

Natural By and large, people were happy with it.

The chunk generalises in three words; the formal version is a heavy clause.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

by and large + generalisation
it'speoplethingswe're

Don't confuse it

'By and large' is similar to 'on the whole', but 'on the whole' can sound slightly more formal or written. Both are used to generalise, but 'by and large' is more common in spoken English.

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