take a wide view

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a wide view" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to consider a broader perspective or to think about a situation in a more comprehensive way. Example: "In order to solve this complex problem, we need to take a wide view and consider all possible factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yes, it has been all year, but outside any fan's particular home team or conference, it has become increasingly difficult not to hit the snooze button and wait to take a wide view of college basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

The government should take a wide view in assessing health inequalities and support not just NHS efforts but programmes that address the wider determinants of health, she says.The highest priority, Sir Michael suggests, is to ensure that every child has a good start in life by concentrating on poorer children during their earliest years.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"That helps me take a wider view of it.

The Guardian

As you'd expect, the fishermen take a wider view than the scientists.

The Guardian

While the potentially heroic cyclist Victoria Pendleton tells us that nothing, absolutely nothing, matters to her more than a successful performance, some take a wider view.

Independent

"We think the Charity Commission will take account of that and take a wider view than the Scottish regulator, who placed a narrow emphasis on means-tested bursaries," he says.

Independent

But when it stops, even for a moment, people can take a wider view: there were soldiers who went bird-watching in the trenches and in prisoner-of-war camps.

Independent

These will be drawn up by unelected regional assemblies, which (Whitehall hopes) will take a wider view and (as Whitehall knows but wouldn't dream of saying) will be more responsive to central government.

The Economist

Mr Carney is understood to want to take a wider view of managing the economy, rather than simply focussing on inflation.

BBC

Mr Carney, currently the governor of the Canadian central bank, who will succeed Sir Mervyn in July, is understood to want to take a wider view of managing the economy.

BBC

When we take a wider view, evidence gathered in recent years is consolidating our understanding that posttranscriptional regulation contributes as much and probably more than the better-characterized transcriptional regulation to determine gene expression (17).

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a wide view", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific area or topic requires a broader consideration. Providing context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "take a wide view" when the situation demands a deeper, more detailed analysis rather than a broad overview. Sometimes focusing on specific aspects is more effective than attempting to cover everything superficially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a wide view" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or encourage a broader, more comprehensive consideration of a subject or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a wide view" is a grammatically correct and usable idiomatic phrase that encourages a comprehensive perspective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially news, scientific, and general communications. While not exceedingly common, its usage is well-regarded in authoritative sources, emphasizing the importance of considering the bigger picture and interconnected elements. To improve writing, ensure the context is clear and the situation genuinely calls for a broader perspective rather than deep analysis of specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider the bigger picture

Focuses on understanding the overall context and implications rather than getting bogged down in details.

adopt a holistic perspective

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of elements within a larger system, highlighting a more integrated approach.

see the forest for the trees

An idiomatic expression urging one to not get lost in the details and to understand the overall situation.

look at the matter comprehensively

Focuses on addressing all aspects of the subject matter without excluding elements.

gain a bird's-eye view

To have an inclusive perception or understanding of something.

broaden one's horizons

Suggests expanding one's understanding and awareness of various possibilities.

have a global overview

To adopt a more international and interconnected view.

see the larger context

To have a perception of the circumstances, background and the environment surrounding an event.

evaluate in its totality

To consider something only after accounting for the whole of the relative parts.

think outside the box

To think creatively, beyond conventional and received ideas.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a wide view"?

To "take a wide view" means to consider all aspects of a situation or problem, looking at it from a broad perspective rather than focusing on narrow details. It involves seeing the bigger picture and understanding how different elements are interconnected.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take a wide view"?

The phrase "take a wide view" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of considering all factors and perspectives. It's useful in situations where a comprehensive understanding is crucial for making informed decisions or solving complex problems.

What are some alternative phrases for "take a wide view"?

You can use alternatives such as "adopt a holistic perspective", "consider the bigger picture", or "see the forest for the trees" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "take a wide view" differ from focusing on details?

"Take a wide view" emphasizes breadth and comprehensiveness, while focusing on details involves examining specific aspects closely. While both are valuable, "take a wide view" is about understanding the overall context, while detailed analysis is about understanding specific components.