The expression comes from sailing: by and large described sailing both close to the wind and with the wind farther behind. It later came to mean overall.
The expression comes from sailing: by and large described sailing both close to the wind and with the wind farther behind. It later came to mean overall.
What does by and large mean?
It means generally or on the whole.
Does by and large allow exceptions?
Yes. It describes the general picture while allowing smaller exceptions.
Can by and large begin a sentence?
Yes. Follow it with a comma when it introduces an overall judgment.
Is by and large formal?
It is suitable for ordinary conversation and moderately formal writing.
Where did by and large come from?
It originated in sailing language, then acquired its broader meaning.