big picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big picture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the larger context of a situation or the overall view or perspective of a situation. For example, "We need to take a step back and look at the big picture before we make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big Picture.

Harvard Business Review

"No big picture".

The New Yorker

First, the big picture.

Independent

That's the big picture.

The New York Times

"Big picture getting reunited.

The New York Times - Sports

What's the big picture?

The New York Times

Here's the big picture.

Harvard University

Big picture, variance covariance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The big picture is..

The Washington Post

Not big picture, like Reagan.

The New York Times

First, the big picture: Us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting the "big picture", start with a concise summary to give your audience context before delving into specific details.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the "big picture" without addressing crucial details. A balanced approach ensures comprehensive understanding and avoids oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote the entirety of a situation or the overall perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big picture" is a very common noun phrase that refers to the overall perspective or comprehensive view of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. When using "big picture", it's crucial to strike a balance between grasping the overall context and paying attention to important details. Alternatives such as "overall perspective" or "broader view" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Remember to provide a concise summary when introducing the "big picture" to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the broader view

Indicates a wider angle of consideration.

the complete picture

Suggests including all relevant elements.

the larger context

Stresses the surrounding circumstances and their influence.

the grand scheme of things

Highlights the broader context and long-term implications.

macro view

Focuses on the high-level perspective rather than granular details.

long-term view

Emphasizes future considerations rather than immediate concerns.

overall perspective

Focuses more on viewpoint than encompassing details.

strategic overview

Highlights a planned and deliberate consideration of key elements.

holistic perspective

Implies an interconnected and interdependent understanding.

comprehensive overview

Emphasizes thoroughness and breadth of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "big picture" to refer to the overall perspective or context of a situation. For example, "We need to consider the "larger context" before making a decision."

What is another way to say "big picture"?

Alternatives to "big picture" include "overall perspective", "broader view", or "grand scheme of things".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "big picture"?

The phrase "big picture" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of understanding the entire situation rather than getting bogged down in minor details. It is commonly used in business, academia, and news contexts.

What does it mean to "see the big picture"?

To "see the big picture" means to understand the overall context and implications of a situation, rather than focusing on individual elements or short-term concerns. It requires a strategic and comprehensive viewpoint.