taking the long view

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking the long view" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a perspective that considers long-term outcomes rather than short-term results. Example: "In business, it's important to be successful, but taking the long view can lead to sustainable growth and stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was taking the long view.

The New Yorker

Dunleavy is taking the long view.

The New York Times - Sports

Taking the long view isn't exactly comforting.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're comfortable with taking the long view".

The New York Times

Taking the Long View: The "forever legacy" of climate change.

Yale University

But Mr. Menendez is taking the long view.

The New York Times

Taking the long view, this is how republics die.

The New York Times

Taking the long view, what might the next steps be?

Harvard Business Review

What's really preventing leaders from taking the long view?

Harvard Business Review

He's after big fish and taking the long view.

The New York Times

AS ever, Mr. Sharp is taking the long view.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategic decisions, use "taking the long view" to emphasize the importance of considering future consequences and benefits beyond immediate gains.

Common error

Avoid using "taking the long view" when the situation requires immediate action or addresses short-term necessities. Ensure the context genuinely benefits from delayed gratification or strategic foresight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the long view" functions as an idiomatic expression that often acts as a noun phrase or adverbial modifier. It describes a perspective that prioritizes future outcomes over immediate gains, guiding decisions and strategies as Ludwig's examples clearly demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking the long view" is a widely used idiomatic expression that signifies a strategic approach prioritizing future outcomes over immediate gains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and academic discourse, suggesting its versatility. When using this phrase, remember to ensure the context truly benefits from delayed gratification or strategic foresight to avoid misapplication. Consider alternatives such as "adopting a long-term perspective" or "planning for the future" to fine-tune your message. Embrace its essence: consider future implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopting a long-term perspective

Stresses the mindset of prioritizing long-term goals over short-term gains.

considering the future implications

Highlights the potential effects and ramifications of current actions.

playing the long game

Implies a strategic approach where immediate sacrifices are made for eventual success.

anticipating future outcomes

Emphasizes the act of predicting the results or consequences of current actions or decisions.

thinking ahead

Focuses on the act of planning and anticipating future events.

having foresight

Focuses on the ability to predict or anticipate future events or trends.

planning for the future

Emphasizes the preparation aspect of considering future needs and goals.

keeping the end goal in mind

Focuses on maintaining a clear vision of the desired outcome.

focusing on the big picture

Emphasizes understanding the overall context and interconnectedness of events.

seeing the forest for the trees

Highlights the ability to avoid getting lost in details and maintain a broad perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "taking the long view" in a sentence?

You can use "taking the long view" to describe someone who is considering the future consequences of their actions, such as: "The company is "taking the long view" by investing in renewable energy sources."

What's a good alternative to "taking the long view"?

Alternatives include "adopting a long-term perspective", "planning for the future", or "thinking ahead", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "taking the long view" a formal or informal expression?

"Taking the long view" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it's appropriate for business, academic, and general discussions where strategic foresight is relevant.

When is it not appropriate to use "taking the long view"?

It is not appropriate when discussing immediate, short-term problems that require urgent solutions, or when the context doesn't involve planning or strategy. Using it in such situations might sound out of touch with the immediate reality.