Strictly speaking means to be exact, in the precise sense: strictly speaking, zero is neither positive nor negative. It separates the usual name from the exact one: it's not a refund, it's store credit. It fits work, study and contracts; in casual chat, frequent corrections with it sound pedantic.
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Strictly speaking, + precise statement; statement, strictly speaking
- Strictly speaking, zero is neither positive nor negative.
- The offer is store credit, not a refund, strictly speaking.
- Strictly speaking, the deadline is noon, although people keep saying Friday afternoon.
What changed
First versionStrict speaking, this is a request rather than a requirement.
RevisionStrictly speaking, this is a request rather than a requirement.
Strictly speaking is learned as one chunk, so the form of the first word is easy to miss. But strict is an adjective: a strict teacher. Before speaking you need the adverb with -ly: strictly speaking.
Frankly speaking is about honesty: frankly, I don't like it. Strictly speaking is about precision: strictly speaking, it's a request, not a rule. Actually just corrects a fact, without pointing to a definition.
Your turn
___ speaking, the price includes delivery but not installation.
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Strictly — You need the adverb Strictly, which is part of the phrase strictly speaking. Strict is an adjective and doesn't go before speaking.
Correct a common but inaccurate name for a service, a rule or an object. Start with Strictly speaking.
Strictly speaking, the ticket covers entry to the gardens, not the house.
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