In the broader context
Academic essay writing expression
Use this to show you understand how a small detail impacts the entire world or situation.
In 15 Seconds
- Zoom out to see the big picture.
- Connect specific details to larger trends.
- Signals a shift to a broader perspective.
Meaning
This phrase is like zooming out with a camera lens. It means looking at how a small detail fits into a much larger situation or story.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a career change
In the broader context of my career, this move makes perfect sense.
In the broader context of my career, this move makes perfect sense.
Talking about a new health habit
One salad won't fix everything, but in the broader context of my health, it's a start.
One salad won't fix everything, but in the broader context of my health, it's a start.
A business strategy meeting
In the broader context of the global economy, our local growth is quite impressive.
In the broader context of the global economy, our local growth is quite impressive.
Cultural Background
This expression is a staple of Western analytical thinking and academic discourse. It emphasizes the importance of 'contextualization,' a concept that became central to humanities and social sciences in the mid-20th century. It reflects a cultural value placed on seeing connections between individual actions and societal trends.
The 'Comma' Rule
Always place a comma after the phrase when it starts a sentence. It gives your listener a mental 'pause' to prepare for the big picture.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every paragraph, you will sound like a textbook. Save it for your most important 'big picture' points.
In 15 Seconds
- Zoom out to see the big picture.
- Connect specific details to larger trends.
- Signals a shift to a broader perspective.
What It Means
Imagine you are looking at a single puzzle piece. In the broader context is when you look at the whole box cover. It helps you see how one small thing affects everything else. It is about finding the "why" behind the "what." You are moving from a tiny detail to the big picture. It shows you are thinking deeply about the world.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of a sentence. It acts like a signal flare for your listener. You are telling them to get ready for a big idea. Use a comma after it to give them a second to breathe. For example, you might mention a small sales drop. Then you say, In the broader context, the whole market is struggling. It makes your point feel much more grounded and smart. It is a great way to transition between a fact and a theory.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound thoughtful and professional. It works wonders in job interviews when discussing your past mistakes. It also helps when you are writing a long university essay. Even in a deep chat with a friend about life, it adds weight. If you are discussing a news story, use it to explain the history. It shows you aren't just reacting to the headline. You are seeing the whole timeline of events.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, unimportant things in daily life. If you are choosing a cereal, it sounds quite silly. In the broader context, I prefer cornflakes is way too much drama. Keep it for topics that actually have a "big picture." Avoid using it when you are in a rush. It is a slow, thoughtful phrase. Using it while shouting for a taxi would feel very out of place. Also, don't use it if you don't actually have a broader point to make!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of logic and social science. Western culture loves to categorize and connect separate ideas. It shows you are a critical thinker who values perspective. It suggests you aren't just looking at the surface of an issue. In English-speaking universities, this is a "golden phrase." Professors love to see that you can link a specific text to history. It is the mark of a high-level communicator.
Common Variations
You might hear In the grand scheme of things. Some people say Looking at the big picture. In business, they might say From a macro perspective. These all do the same job of zooming out. Taking a holistic view is another fancy way to say it. If you want to be more casual, just say Looking at everything else going on. All of these help people see the forest instead of just the trees.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level transition phrase. It is most effective in formal writing, presentations, and serious discussions. Using it correctly signals a high level of English proficiency and analytical thinking.
The 'Comma' Rule
Always place a comma after the phrase when it starts a sentence. It gives your listener a mental 'pause' to prepare for the big picture.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every paragraph, you will sound like a textbook. Save it for your most important 'big picture' points.
The 'Smart' Signal
In English-speaking corporate culture, using this phrase is a subtle way to signal that you are 'leadership material' because you see the big picture.
Examples
6In the broader context of my career, this move makes perfect sense.
In the broader context of my career, this move makes perfect sense.
Used here to justify a specific decision by looking at long-term goals.
One salad won't fix everything, but in the broader context of my health, it's a start.
One salad won't fix everything, but in the broader context of my health, it's a start.
Shows the speaker is looking at their overall lifestyle, not just one meal.
In the broader context of the global economy, our local growth is quite impressive.
In the broader context of the global economy, our local growth is quite impressive.
Compares local data to global trends to provide perspective.
In the broader context of the director's work, that weird ending actually fits.
In the broader context of the director's work, that weird ending actually fits.
Connecting a specific movie scene to the director's entire history.
I forgot the milk, but in the broader context of the universe, does it really matter?
I forgot the milk, but in the broader context of the universe, does it really matter?
Using a formal phrase for a trivial matter creates a funny effect.
In the broader context of my life, this pain is just a chapter, not the whole book.
In the broader context of my life, this pain is just a chapter, not the whole book.
Provides emotional comfort by looking at the long-term timeline of life.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a university essay.
___ of 19th-century literature, this poem represents a shift toward realism.
This phrase is perfect for connecting a specific work (the poem) to a larger movement (19th-century literature).
Which situation is MOST appropriate for using 'In the broader context'?
You should use this phrase when ___.
This situation requires 'zooming out' to see how a specific event (the law) impacts a larger system (the country).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'In the Broader Context'
Used rarely, often for humor.
In the broader context of my lunch...
Good for serious discussions with friends.
In the broader context of our friendship...
The 'sweet spot' for this phrase.
In the broader context of the project...
Standard in academic and legal writing.
In the broader context of international law...
Where to use 'In the Broader Context'
University Essay
Linking a quote to a historical era.
Job Interview
Explaining how your skills help the company.
News Analysis
Discussing how a protest fits into a movement.
Deep Conversations
Talking about life goals and personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means looking at the 'big picture' or how a small detail fits into a larger situation. For example, In the broader context of the game, that one mistake didn't matter.
Usually, yes. However, you can use it ironically or when having a very serious, deep text conversation about life or politics.
It is much more common at the beginning. If you put it at the end, it sounds a bit like an afterthought: We need to look at this in the broader context.
They are very similar! In the grand scheme of things is often used for more philosophical or 'fate' related topics, while In the broader context feels more academic or professional.
Yes! In the wider context means exactly the same thing and is equally formal and correct.
It is excellent for job interviews. It shows you understand how your specific role helps the entire company achieve its goals.
Implicitly, yes. You are comparing a specific point to a larger environment or history.
The most common mistake is using it for something that has no context, like In the broader context, I like pizza. It makes no sense because pizza preference isn't a complex issue.
Yes, it is used across all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian English, especially in formal settings.
It rhymes with 'order.' The 'oa' sounds like the 'o' in 'more.' Say it slowly: BRAW-der.
Related Phrases
In the grand scheme of things
Looking at the big picture
From a macro perspective
Taking everything into account
All things considered
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