overall picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overall picture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the big picture, or the total perspective on a situation. For example, "We need to consider the overall picture before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What counts, however, is the overall picture.

The Economist

"These things can blacken the overall picture.

The Guardian - Music

The overall picture is mixed, he adds.

The Guardian

But the overall picture is unambiguously clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus far, the overall picture is good.

The New York Times

They're not looking at the overall picture, whereas I've got to look at the overall picture.

The Guardian - Sport

"The overall picture is, I think, very slanted".

The Guardian

Still, the overall picture is one of omnipresent surveillance.

The Guardian - Tech

Startlingly little of this overall picture is new, of course.

The New York Times

Wood, the lead author, said the overall picture was simple.

The Guardian

Where did the dumpings fit in to the overall picture?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data, reports, or surveys, use "overall picture" to summarize the main findings or trends.

Common error

Avoid getting bogged down in minor details to the point where you lose sight of the "overall picture". Always ensure that detailed analyses contribute to a broader understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overall picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a comprehensive view or perspective. For example, "They're not looking at the "overall picture", whereas I've got to look at the overall picture."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overall picture" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a comprehensive and holistic view of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English, advising that it refers to "the big picture, or the total perspective on a situation". As demonstrated by examples extracted by Ludwig from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To ensure effective communication, remember to step back and appreciate all relevant aspects of a topic, steering clear of fixating solely on minor details. Consider using alternative phrases, such as "complete perspective" or "comprehensive view", to enhance clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

big picture

A more colloquial term for the entire scope of a situation.

entire situation

Directly refers to all aspects of the scenario under consideration.

general overview

Suggests a summary or outline of the main points.

comprehensive view

Emphasizes the breadth and inclusiveness of the understanding.

full scope

Implies the entire extent or range of something.

integrated perspective

Emphasizes the combination of different elements into a unified whole.

complete perspective

Focuses on a thorough and exhaustive viewpoint.

global view

Indicates a worldwide or all-encompassing perspective.

broader context

Highlights the surrounding circumstances and background information.

holistic assessment

Highlights the integrated and interconnected nature of the evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "overall picture" to describe a comprehensive view of a situation, as in, "The report provides an "overall picture" of the company's financial health."

What is another way to say "overall picture"?

Alternatives to "overall picture" include "general overview", "comprehensive view", or the "big picture".

Is it better to focus on details or the "overall picture"?

It depends on the context. Sometimes focusing on details is essential, but it's equally important to understand the "overall picture" to make informed decisions.

What does it mean to "see the overall picture"?

To "see the overall picture" means to understand all the important aspects of a situation and how they relate to each other. It involves stepping back from the details to grasp the "complete perspective".