consider the bigger picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider the bigger picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest looking at the wider context of a situation, seeing multiple perspectives, or taking a step back and reflecting on a situation before making a decision. For example: "Before deciding whether to invest in that new technology, consider the bigger picture - will it benefit the company in the long run?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Instead of stigmatizing certain kinds of research grants, perhaps we should consider the bigger picture.

The New York Times - Science

Rather than react with "Circle the wagons!" they consider the bigger picture.

The Washington Post

Time to consider the bigger picture, think about what this article is really trying to achieve.

The Guardian - Money

The crucial message is that we must always consider the bigger picture, especially when dealing in probabilities.

The Guardian - Books

"However, it's important to consider the bigger picture and when you do, it's clear that the future appears to be rather gloomy still.

The Guardian - Business

And we must consider the bigger picture: Terrorists are far more brutal than pirates and can easily force pirates -- petty thieves in comparison -- to share their ransom money.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

First, consider the big picture.

The New York Times

She reminded us to consider the big picture.

The New Yorker

The key is to consider the big picture as well as the small details.

The Guardian

3.00pm: It's time to stand back and consider the big picture.

The Guardian

If that makes little economic sense, consider the big picture of Mexico's sugar industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consider the bigger picture", ensure that you're not just dismissing details but rather placing them in a broader context for better understanding and decision-making.

Common error

Don't let "considering the bigger picture" lead to neglecting immediate, pressing needs. Balance long-term vision with short-term realities to avoid crises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider the bigger picture" functions as an imperative, urging someone to look beyond immediate details and understand the broader context of a situation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse scenarios, from business decisions to personal reflections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consider the bigger picture" is a common and grammatically correct expression that encourages a comprehensive and strategic assessment of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used to urge individuals to look beyond immediate details and evaluate long-term implications. With applications spanning news, business, science, and even wiki contexts, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader context before making decisions. While alternatives like "take a broader view" and "see the whole picture" exist, "consider the bigger picture" uniquely balances formality and accessibility, making it a versatile choice for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

see the whole picture

Emphasizes completeness and understanding all elements.

look at the overall context

Highlights the importance of understanding the surrounding circumstances.

evaluate the complete scenario

Stresses the need for thorough assessment.

take a broader view

Focuses on expanding the perspective, less about the specific context.

assess the wider implications

More formal, emphasizing consequences and effects.

gain a comprehensive understanding

Focuses on acquiring knowledge and insight.

think holistically

Suggests a systems-thinking approach, less common in everyday language.

understand the grand scheme

Adds a sense of scale and long-term perspective.

factor in all variables

Highlights the inclusion of all relevant influencing components.

get the full measure

Emphasizes obtaining a complete and accurate assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "consider the bigger picture" in a sentence?

You can use "consider the bigger picture" to encourage someone to look beyond the immediate details and think about the broader context or implications of a situation. For example, "Before making a decision, "consider the bigger picture" to understand the long-term effects".

What is an alternative to "consider the bigger picture"?

Alternatives include "take a broader view", "look at the overall context", or "see the whole picture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "consider the bigger picture" or "considering the bigger picture"?

"Consider the bigger picture" is an imperative, a direct request or instruction. "Considering the bigger picture" is a gerund phrase that acts as a noun, as in "Considering the bigger picture has aided Berkeley's pursuit of diversity".

What's the difference between "consider the bigger picture" and "focus on the details"?

"Consider the bigger picture" advises a broad, contextual understanding, while "focus on the details" suggests concentrating on specific elements. They represent opposite approaches to problem-solving or analysis.