to gain perspective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to gain perspective" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of understanding a situation or viewpoint more clearly, often after considering different angles or experiences. Example: "After talking to my colleagues, I was able to gain perspective on the project's challenges and opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In other cases, we need to deliberately cultivate distance — to "gain perspective".

The New Yorker

When I got home, my mother leaned back away from me as if to gain perspective.

The New Yorker

Taking time out to gain perspective on what you are doing is valuable.

Harvard Business Review

I was intrigued by the chance to gain perspective on the doctor-patient interaction.

The New York Times - Health

We think of a "perch" as a vantage point from which to gain perspective.

Yale University

Not always, but it takes time and distance to gain perspective on events, and you have to start somewhere.

The New York Times

There are other, less time- and resource-intensive ways to gain perspective on your organization or business.

Harvard Business Review

Menon's team decided to study young children with math anxiety to gain perspective on the developmental origins of the problem.

Stanford University

To gain perspective, Mr. Jackson asks his subjects what is on their minds, then uses the answer as a quotation in the finished portrait.

The New York Times

The need to gain perspective hit me when I found, next to a falsely suspected anthrax lesion, a very atypical mole that needed a biopsy.

The New York Times

I use running to gain perspective on any difficulties I've been having during the day and find it works wonders for my mental health.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to gain perspective" when you want to indicate that someone is actively trying to understand a situation more completely by considering different viewpoints or angles. For example, "Speaking with different team members helped me to gain perspective on the project's challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "to gain perspective" in situations where a simpler phrase like "to understand" or "to learn" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious in straightforward contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to gain perspective" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It often introduces a reason or intention behind an action, indicating that the action is performed in order to achieve a better understanding or viewpoint, as affirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to gain perspective" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the intent to enhance one's understanding by considering different viewpoints. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is adaptable across various contexts, though it commonly appears in news, academic, and general discussions. When writing, use "to gain perspective" to express a deliberate effort to see the bigger picture, but avoid overusing it in overly simplistic situations. Exploring alternatives like "to broaden understanding" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to broaden understanding

Focuses on increasing the scope of comprehension.

to develop insight

Emphasizes the acquisition of deeper, more profound comprehension.

to attain clarity

Highlights the achievement of a clear and distinct understanding.

to achieve comprehension

Stresses the successful grasping of a subject or situation.

to acquire a viewpoint

Focuses on obtaining a specific way of looking at things.

to get a handle on

Suggests gaining control or understanding of a situation.

to see the bigger picture

Emphasizes understanding the overall context or situation.

to put things in context

Involves framing something within its surrounding circumstances for better understanding.

to get one's bearings

Implies orienting oneself to understand a new or confusing situation.

to find a new angle

Suggests discovering a fresh or different perspective on something.

FAQs

How can I use "to gain perspective" in a sentence?

You can use "to gain perspective" to describe the act of understanding a situation more fully. For example: "I spoke with several colleagues "to gain perspective" on the issue."

What are some alternatives to "to gain perspective"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to broaden understanding", "to develop insight", or "to achieve comprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "gain perspective" or "get perspective"?

Both "gain perspective" and "get perspective" are acceptable, but "gain perspective" is often considered more formal and suggests a more deliberate effort to understand a situation fully. The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

How does taking a break help one "to gain perspective"?

Stepping away from a problem or situation can provide the distance needed "to gain perspective". This allows you to see things more clearly and consider different angles that might not have been apparent before.