take a long view

USAGE SUMMARY

'take a long view' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually is used to mean looking at a situation from a broader perspective and over a longer period of time. For example, "Though the current economic situation is difficult, we must take a long view and remember that things eventually will improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mannix thinks these represent good opportunities, provided buyers are selective and take a long view.

Independent

These arrangements sheltered managers from impatient shareholders and foreign competition, allowing them to take a long view.

The Economist

But this requires the country's leaders to take a long view and think beyond the next election cycle.

The Economist

But monks take a long view of things, so if it takes fifty years to do it we'll manage".

The New Yorker

Take a long view and ask: Who has benefited most from the explosion of the U.S.-China trade and investment?

The New York Times

John D. Porcari, the transportation secretary in Maryland, urged Congress on Wednesday to take a long view.

The New York Times

Fund managers – or, at least, those who take a long view – have tended to make two points about Brexit.

The Guardian - Business

There are always upsets in emerging markets, as now, but multibillionaire owners can afford to take a long view.

The Guardian - Business

At 80, one can take a long view and have a vivid, lived sense of history not possible at an earlier age.

The New York Times

Andrew Tyrie, the Conservative chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, said it was important to take a long view of the plan.

Independent

This exhausting qualification enables him to take a long view of British theatre since 1945, and, on the whole, he gives it an excellent review.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a long view" to encourage patience and perseverance in situations where immediate results are not visible.

Common error

Avoid using "take a long view" when the context requires immediate action or focuses solely on short-term gains. The phrase implies a broader, more extended timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a long view" functions as an idiomatic expression, encouraging a strategic and forward-thinking perspective. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from investment strategies to policy decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take a long view" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiomatic expression that advises considering long-term implications rather than focusing solely on immediate benefits. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its suitability for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While adaptable for both formal and informal communications, users should ensure the context aligns with a future-oriented perspective. Its consistent usage and clear meaning, as noted in Ludwig AI, solidify its effectiveness as a valuable communication tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think long-term

Emphasizes the duration of planning and consideration.

have a long-range outlook

Similar to long view, but emphasizes the distance into the future that is considered.

consider the big picture

Focuses on understanding the overall context rather than just immediate details.

look to the future

Highlights anticipation and preparation for what is to come.

adopt a broad perspective

Stresses the inclusiveness of different aspects in the consideration.

bear in mind the future

Focuses on remembering and prioritizing future implications.

plan ahead

Highlights the act of making preparations for future events.

keep the end in mind

Emphasizes focusing on the ultimate goal when making decisions.

foresee the consequences

Stresses the importance of anticipating the outcomes of actions.

think strategically

Focuses on the method and approach to achieving long-term goals.

FAQs

How can I use "take a long view" in a sentence?

You can use "take a long view" to suggest considering the future implications of a decision. For example, "We should "take a long view" when planning our investment strategy."

What's a good alternative to "take a long view"?

Alternatives include "think long-term", "consider the big picture", or "have a long-range outlook", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "take a long view"?

It's appropriate when discussing strategies, investments, or decisions that require consideration of future impacts and consequences, rather than just immediate results.

Is "take a long view" formal or informal?

"Take a long view" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It appears frequently in news articles, business reports, and academic discussions, as well as in everyday conversation.