broad picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad picture" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a general overview of something. For example, "Give me a broad picture of what your plan looks like."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a broad picture does emerge.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet the broad picture remains hopeful.

The Economist

"This gives us the broad picture".

The New York Times

That's the broad picture, although there are exceptions.

The New York Times

He too thought that he alone understood the broad picture.

The Economist

But there's no broad picture, as Koppel himself pointed out.

The New Yorker

Mr Blair thinks more of the broad picture.

The Economist

Having a broad picture is critical for policy makers".

The New York Times

But the broad picture Vidal paints is simply unconvincing.

The New York Times - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use visuals like charts or diagrams to effectively communicate a "broad picture", especially when dealing with complex data or multifaceted topics.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping statements or generalizations when presenting a "broad picture" without providing sufficient evidence or acknowledging potential exceptions. Ensure that your overview is supported by credible sources and data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or following a preposition, as illustrated by Ludwig examples such as "gives a broad picture" or "of the broad picture". It denotes a comprehensive but not necessarily detailed view.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broad picture" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe a general understanding or overview of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is versatile, fitting in diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. While alternatives like ""general overview"" or "big picture" exist, "broad picture" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various audiences. Remember to support your "broad picture" with evidence and clearly define its scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

big picture

An informal term stressing the importance of considering the wider context.

general overview

Focuses on summarizing the main points without delving into specifics.

comprehensive view

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the understanding.

bird's-eye view

Offers a high-level, distant perspective, seeing the whole from above.

overall perspective

Emphasizes a comprehensive viewpoint, taking multiple factors into account.

macro perspective

Emphasizes the examination of large-scale patterns and trends.

holistic understanding

Suggests an integrated view where all parts are interconnected.

global view

Implies a wide-ranging and all-encompassing perspective.

sweeping overview

Suggests a broad but possibly less detailed examination of a subject.

general idea

Indicates a basic understanding without detailed knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "broad picture" to describe a general understanding or overview of a topic. For instance, "The report provides a "broad picture" of the company's financial performance".

What is the difference between "broad picture" and "big picture"?

While both terms refer to a general overview, "big picture" is often considered more informal. "Broad picture" can be used in more formal or academic contexts.

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

You can use alternatives like "general overview", "overall perspective", or "comprehensive view" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a broad picture of the situation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase "broad picture" is often followed by "of" and the subject being described.