By and large means overall, generally speaking: by and large, the new system works well. It gives an overall verdict that allows small exceptions: a couple of labels were missing, but by and large the exhibition was easy to follow. Large here has nothing to do with size; the phrase works as one unit.
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by and large, ...; be, by and large, ...; ... by and large
- By and large, the new booking process has worked well.
- The rooms are, by and large, quieter than those in the old building.
- A few labels were missing, but by and large the exhibition was easy to follow.
What changed
First versionBy in large, the feedback was positive.
RevisionBy and large, the feedback was positive.
In fast speech, the and in the middle shrinks to a quick n sound, so it comes out like by in large. Even native speakers write it that way. The only correct form is by and large, with and in the middle.
On the whole is almost a synonym: on the whole, the trip went well. Largely is different, meaning mainly: the delay was largely our fault. By and large judges the whole situation; largely says how much of it one cause explains.
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Considering the overall experience: By ___ large, the trip went smoothly.
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and — The phrase uses and: by and large. By in large is a mishearing, not an English phrase.
Give an overall verdict on a move, a trip or an event, allowing for one small exception. Use by and large.
By and large, the move went well, although two boxes arrived a day late.
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