large scheme of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "large scheme of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a broader perspective or context in which something is considered, often implying that individual details may be less significant when viewed from a wider viewpoint. Example: "While this issue seems important now, in the large scheme of things, it may not matter as much as we think."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

What the reader gets in Cloud Atlas are intimations of some large scheme of things.

The Guardian - Books

"What people wear really doesn't matter in the large scheme of things," I could see her trying to tell herself.

The New Yorker

"In the large scheme of things, the impact of tobacco litigation has been minimal," said Robert L. Rabin, a professor of law at Stanford.

The New York Times

But if you think about it, whatever a brand is going to pay a celebrity to help with their messaging isn't that much money in the large scheme of things – but people don't see that far down the road, especially managers that want a percentage.

The Guardian

In order to lead into my project, it is important to understand more about certain research in the Brennan lab and what exact implications it has in the large scheme of things.

Duke University

"Sometimes it is very difficult for scientists, especially in grad school, who are working on a very tiny aspect of technology to see or realize the impact our technology has in the large scheme of things, but it is very tangible here at the BEP," she says.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

These are fairly minor problems in the larger scheme of things.

The New York Times

But in the larger scheme of things, Congress is an annoyance.

The New Yorker

In the larger scheme of things, it is hard to choose between Crosby and Ovechkin.

The New York Times - Sports

In the larger scheme of things, team results matter more than personal achievements to Jeter.

The New York Times - Sports

"In the larger scheme of things, they won't make a huge difference".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "large scheme of things" to encourage a broader understanding of a situation, reminding your audience that specific details might not be as critical when viewed from a wider lens.

Common error

Avoid getting lost in minor details when trying to explain the "large scheme of things". Focus on the primary elements and their interconnections to provide a clear, overarching perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large scheme of things" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing context or perspective. Ludwig provides examples where it frames the significance or impact of events, actions, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "large scheme of things" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to contextualize the relative importance or significance of something from a wide-ranging viewpoint. It commonly appears in both news and academic settings, per Ludwig's analysis, and encourages a shift in perspective towards overarching implications rather than focusing on minor details. While alternatives like "bigger picture" or "overall context" exist, "large scheme of things" provides a unique emphasis on the scope of consideration. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is appropriate for neutral to professional registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general scheme

Removes the emphasis on size.

bigger picture

Emphasizes a more comprehensive view, often simplified.

big picture

A more concise and common version of "bigger picture".

overall context

Highlights the surrounding circumstances.

whole context

Focuses on entirety rather than relative scale.

broader perspective

Focuses on the viewpoint rather than the system itself.

comprehensive scope

Highlights the breadth of consideration.

grand design

Suggests a planned or intentional arrangement.

the long view

Suggests a consideration of long-term implications.

general framework

Refers to the structure within which something exists.

FAQs

How can I use "large scheme of things" in a sentence?

You can use "large scheme of things" to indicate that something is less important when considering the broader context. For example: "While this delay is frustrating, in the "large scheme of things", it won't significantly impact the project."

What's a good alternative to "large scheme of things"?

Alternatives include "bigger picture", "overall context", or "broader perspective". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "large scheme of things" or "larger scheme of things"?

Both "large scheme of things" and "larger scheme of things" are acceptable, but "large scheme of things" is more common. The inclusion of 'r' it is just slightly more emphatic.

When is it appropriate to use "large scheme of things"?

Use "large scheme of things" when you want to encourage someone to consider the wider implications or overall significance of a situation, rather than focusing on minor or immediate details.