"Generally speaking" to avoid generalization

[Nonverbis]

This is from the book "IELTS Advantage writing skills" by Richard Brown.




Could you tell me whether it is Ok to use "generally speaking" to avoid generalization?

 

[tedmc]

"Generally speaking" is used to qualify a statement. It implies that it is not a blanket statement and that there could be exceptions.

 

[Nonverbis]

Thank you. I seem to have understood you. One should not be too categorical because in this case any exception will ruin your logic.

By the way, is it suitable to use "generally speaking" for academic writing? It sound colloquial.

 

[jutfrank]

Yes, it is suitable.