a complete picture

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complete picture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the full version of or understanding of something, especially when there are several pieces of information that, when combined, form a whole. For example, "The study finally provided us with a complete picture of the economic conditions of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's far from a complete picture.

The New York Times - Magazine

The B.P.P. doesn't offer a complete picture.

The New Yorker

But critics don't paint a complete picture.

The New Yorker

Financial institutions want a complete picture of their customers' finances.

The New York Times

No one has a complete picture of Gloria's life.

The Guardian - Opinion

I turned around and her face was a complete picture!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those numbers do not paint a complete picture, though.

The New York Times

Theatre has no obligation to give a complete picture.

The Guardian

But these balance sheets do not give a complete picture.

The New York Times

We didn't give a complete picture of Harlem".

The New York Times - Arts

"Nobody from customer marketing perspective has a complete picture".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for "a complete picture", ensure you've gathered information from diverse and reliable sources to minimize bias and maximize accuracy.

Common error

Avoid making definitive conclusions based on limited or incomplete information. Always acknowledge the scope and limitations of your data when presenting "a complete picture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete picture" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It represents the idea of having a comprehensive understanding or view of a subject, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete picture" functions as a noun phrase that describes a thorough and comprehensive understanding or representation of something. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used in News & Media and Science contexts to convey the idea that all relevant details are included. When using this phrase, ensure you've gathered diverse information and avoid making conclusions based on partial data. Consider alternatives like "a comprehensive view" or "the whole story" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive view

Highlights the breadth and scope of the perspective.

a thorough overview

Focuses on providing a detailed summary of a topic.

the entire perspective

Focuses on including all perspectives or viewpoints on a subject.

a full understanding

Emphasizes the intellectual grasp of a subject rather than a visual representation.

an exhaustive analysis

Focuses on detailed and thorough scrutiny of something.

a complete account

Implies a detailed and exhaustive narrative or record.

the whole story

Suggests that all relevant details are included, often implying that some details were previously missing.

a detailed market analysis

Emphasis on having all components of research available in order to evaluate current standing in a business.

a holistic perspective

Stresses the interconnectedness and interdependence of different elements.

a rounded portrayal

Emphasizes the balance and completeness of a depiction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complete picture" to describe a thorough understanding or comprehensive view of something. For example, "The investigation aimed to provide "a complete picture" of the events leading up to the incident".

What is an alternative to "a complete picture"?

Alternatives to "a complete picture" include "a comprehensive view", "a thorough overview", or "the whole story", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "a complete picture" or "the complete picture"?

Both "a complete picture" and "the complete picture" can be correct, depending on the context. "A complete picture" refers to any instance of obtaining all the relevant information, while "the complete picture" refers to a specific instance or situation where all information is known.

What's the difference between "a complete picture" and "a complete understanding"?

"A complete picture" often implies a visual or comprehensive representation of something, while "a complete understanding" focuses on intellectual comprehension and knowledge.