give a full picture

USAGE SUMMARY

"give a full picture" is a usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone should provide a comprehensive answer, description, or explanation. For example, you could say "Please give a full picture of your research aims and methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But it does not give a full picture.

The Economist

Agency officials said the report did not give a full picture of post-quake aid to Haiti.

The New York Times

They did it before Mr. Kerry had the money to give a full picture of himself in advertisements.

The New York Times

The ONS's use of the term "foreign-born" does not give a full picture of the changing nature of citizenship.

The Guardian

A DWP spokesman said: "As the authors admit themselves the data does not give a full picture.

The Guardian

Even then, it is unlikely to give a full picture of business ownership in America, including the types and numbers of businesses owned by veterans, women and minorities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

However, GDP needs to be complemented by other measures to give a fuller picture.

The Economist

None of them contradict Churchward, but they give a fuller picture of Liberman at work.

The New Yorker

Most good galleries and artists have websites that give a fuller picture.

The Guardian - Arts

The poll suggests it is his failure to give a fuller picture of how he will turn around the economy.

The New Yorker

But his essays do give a fuller picture than I could give of his views both of the world and of his own case.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give a full picture", ensure you are providing enough detail and context for your audience to gain a complete understanding of the topic. Avoid leaving out crucial information that could lead to misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "give a full picture" if you are only presenting a partial or biased view. Make sure to acknowledge any limitations in the information you are providing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a full picture" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of providing a comprehensive explanation or account of something. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that it indicates providing a comprehensive answer, description, or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give a full picture" is a commonly used phrase that means to provide a complete and thorough explanation or account. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to ensure a comprehensive understanding of a topic. It's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you provide sufficient detail and avoid bias. Alternatives include "provide a comprehensive account" and "offer a complete understanding". The phrase's register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various writing styles and situations. Its widespread use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a comprehensive account

Replaces "give a full picture" with a more formal expression, emphasizing a detailed and complete report.

offer a complete understanding

Focuses on the result of providing information, which is to create a complete understanding.

present a thorough explanation

Highlights the act of explaining something in detail, instead of just giving a picture.

paint a complete portrait

Uses a metaphor to suggest creating a detailed and comprehensive depiction.

elucidate the entire situation

Emphasizes clarity and thoroughness in explaining a situation.

offer an exhaustive analysis

Stresses the depth and comprehensiveness of the analysis provided.

present all the details

Focuses on including every piece of information, ensuring nothing is left out.

provide a holistic view

Highlights the importance of considering all aspects of a situation for a comprehensive understanding.

fully explain the circumstances

Stresses the importance of a complete and detailed explanation of the surrounding conditions.

lay out all the facts

Emphasizes presenting all the factual information in an organized and clear manner.

FAQs

How can I use "give a full picture" in a sentence?

You can use "give a full picture" to indicate that you are providing a comprehensive explanation or description. For example, "The report aims to "give a full picture" of the company's financial performance."

What can I say instead of "give a full picture"?

You can use alternatives like "provide a comprehensive account", "offer a complete understanding", or "present a thorough explanation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "give a full picture" or "give a fuller picture"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "give a fuller picture" implies adding more detail to an already existing understanding, while ""give a full picture"" suggests providing a complete view from the start.

What's the difference between "give a full picture" and "paint a complete portrait"?

"Give a full picture" is more straightforward and literal, while "paint a complete portrait" is a more figurative way of saying the same thing. The latter is often used when you want to create a vivid or detailed impression.