complete the picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete the picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe when someone adds new information or details that help to give a fuller and more complete understanding of a situation or problem. For example, "John's insights helped to complete the picture of what was going on in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hill would complete the picture.

The New York Times - Sports

One more element would complete the picture.

The Guardian

Whales further out complete the picture.

The Guardian - Travel

"That would complete the picture," he said.

The New York Times

Complete the picture by staying in Amihan's bamboo cabanas.

The Guardian - Travel

Even this amount does not complete the picture.

The Guardian - Business

Fresh roses and flickering candlelight complete the picture.

The New York Times

You'll never be able to complete the picture.

The Guardian

All they need are cigars to complete the picture.

The New York Times - Science

Yet further research with different training parameters or experimental designs is needed to complete the picture.

International Journal of Psychophysiology

To complete the picture, we incorporate it into an abstraction-refinement framework.

Information and Computation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete the picture" when you want to emphasize that additional information or details are necessary for a full understanding of a situation or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "complete the picture" when the context already provides a comprehensive understanding. Ensure there's a genuine need for additional information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete the picture" functions as a verbal phrase, often used as part of a clause. It signifies the action of adding necessary elements to achieve a full or comprehensive understanding. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete the picture" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the addition of necessary details to gain a comprehensive understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. To enhance writing, use the phrase when emphasizing the need for further information and consider alternatives like "fill out the picture" or "flesh out the details" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fill out the picture

This suggests adding more details to an existing but incomplete image or understanding.

round out the picture

This implies making an assessment more comprehensive by adding missing elements.

flesh out the details

Focuses on adding more specific information to make something more understandable.

bring into focus

This alternative means to clarify a situation or idea by providing more details.

provide the finishing touch

This emphasizes the final detail that perfects something.

put the final touches

Similar to "provide the finishing touch", emphasizing the last steps taken.

tie up loose ends

Addresses unresolved issues in order to finish something.

seal the deal

This idiom suggests finalizing an agreement or arrangement.

put the lid on it

This indicates bringing something to a definitive end.

finalize the matter

Formal alternative for bringing an issue to a conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete the picture" to indicate that more information is needed for a full understanding. For example, "The new data will "fill out the picture" of the economy."

What's a good alternative to "complete the picture"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "flesh out the details", "fill out the picture", or "bring into focus".

Is it correct to say "completes the picture"?

Yes, "completes the picture" is grammatically correct when referring to something singular that adds the final touches. For instance, "This final piece of evidence "completes the picture"."

What does "complete the picture" mean in a business context?

In business, "complete the picture" often means providing all necessary information for stakeholders to make informed decisions. It can involve financial data, market analysis, and strategic planning. The goal is to "provide the finishing touch" to the understanding.