a broad picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "a broad picture" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to an overview of a particular situation, often one that has been made using a lot of data and information. For example, you could say: "The report provides a broad picture of the future of the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a broad picture does emerge.

The New York Times - Magazine

Having a broad picture is critical for policy makers".

The New York Times

But a broad picture does emerge in the survey as a whole.

The Economist

"To get a broad picture of systemic risk, you need to look at the smaller banks".

The New York Times

Materializing Magic Power paints a broad picture of the dynamics of popular religion in Taiwan.

Harvard University

It gives them and their support network a broad picture of what might lie ahead.

Stanford University

As a broad picture of Eisenhower as Supreme Allied Commander, however, this book is unmatched.

The New York Times - Arts

He defended the population-based approach as necessary for obtaining a broad picture and replicable results.

The New York Times - Science

But it was a broad picture of a strong man, a comandante.

The Guardian - Film

Without that, he said, regulators could not get a broad picture of the marketplace.

The New York Times

This paper gives a broad picture of all ingredients treated by nuclear data evaluators during their analyses.

Nuclear Data Sheets

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to provide context, use "a broad picture" to set the stage before diving into specific details. This helps your audience grasp the overall context before focusing on granular information.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad picture" when you need to provide an in-depth analysis or detailed explanation. The phrase is best suited for overviews, not comprehensive dissections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad picture" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "paints a broad picture", "gives a broad picture"). Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad picture" is a versatile phrase used to describe a general understanding or overview of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that it aligns with the level of detail required and avoid confusing it with a need for in-depth analysis. Alternatives like "a comprehensive overview" or "a general outline" can be considered based on the specific nuance you want to convey. It's a common phrase, widely accepted, and effectively communicates a high-level perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive overview

This alternative suggests a more thorough and complete examination than "a broad picture".

a general outline

This phrase implies a less detailed and more schematic representation than "a broad picture".

a sweeping view

This alternative emphasizes the extensiveness and range of the perspective.

a wide perspective

This option focuses on encompassing multiple viewpoints and considerations.

a holistic understanding

This phrase stresses the interconnectedness and interdependence of the elements involved.

a bird's-eye view

This option suggests a high-level, detached perspective.

a grand scope

This alternative underlines the vastness and scale of what is being considered.

a panoramic outlook

This phrase highlights a complete and all-encompassing perspective, similar to a panoramic photograph.

a global perspective

This choice suggests a worldwide or universally relevant point of view.

a conceptual framework

This option focuses on the theoretical structure or model used to understand something.

FAQs

How can I use "a broad picture" in a sentence?

You can use "a broad picture" to introduce an overview or summary. For example, "This report aims to give "a broad picture" of the current economic climate."

What's the difference between "a broad picture" and "a detailed analysis"?

"A broad picture" provides a general understanding, while "a detailed analysis" offers an in-depth examination. Use "a broad picture" for overviews and "a detailed analysis" when thoroughness is required.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a broad picture"?

Alternatives include "a general outline", "a sweeping view", or "a comprehensive overview", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a broad picture" in formal writing?

Yes, "a broad picture" is suitable for formal writing, especially when introducing a topic or summarizing findings. However, ensure that it aligns with the level of detail required in your writing.