In the larger picture
Academic essay writing expression
Use this phrase to shift focus from a small problem to the overall, most important goal.
Em 15 segundos
- Focus on the whole situation rather than small details.
- Used to show the long-term importance of an event.
- Common in academic writing and professional business strategy.
Significado
It means stepping back to look at the whole situation instead of just focusing on small details. You use it to talk about the long-term result or the most important goal.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Discussing a business loss
We lost money this month, but in the larger picture, our brand is growing.
Looking at the whole situation, our brand is still becoming more popular.
Comforting a friend who failed a test
In the larger picture, one bad grade won't stop you from graduating.
When you look at your whole college career, this grade isn't a disaster.
Writing a university essay
In the larger picture, these social changes led to a more democratic society.
When considering the whole historical period, these changes were very important.
Contexto cultural
This expression reflects a Western cultural emphasis on 'strategic thinking' and 'long-term goals.' It became particularly popular in corporate environments during the late 20th century to distinguish leaders from managers. It suggests a person has the maturity to ignore temporary setbacks for future success.
The 'But' Pivot
This phrase almost always follows a 'but'. Mention the small negative thing first, then use 'but in the larger picture' to introduce the positive result.
Don't say 'at'
Many people accidentally say 'at the larger picture'. Always use the preposition 'in'. Think of it like being 'inside' a scene.
Em 15 segundos
- Focus on the whole situation rather than small details.
- Used to show the long-term importance of an event.
- Common in academic writing and professional business strategy.
What It Means
Imagine you are looking at one tiny puzzle piece. You can't see the whole image yet. In the larger picture means looking at the finished puzzle. It is about perspective. You stop worrying about small, annoying things. You focus on the big goals instead. It helps you see how things connect over time.
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the start of your sentence. It acts like a bridge. You usually mention a small problem first. Then, you use the phrase to show why that problem isn't so bad. You can also use it to conclude a long argument. It tells your listener, "Here is the most important part."
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings to discuss strategy. It is perfect for academic essays when summarizing your points. Use it when a friend is stressed about a minor mistake. It works well when you are planning your future. It’s a great way to sound wise and thoughtful. Even in a text, it shows you are thinking deeply.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, unimportant choices like picking a snack. Avoid using it when someone is deeply upset about a specific loss. It can sound cold or dismissive if you aren't careful. If your friend just lost their phone, don't say it. They don't want the "larger picture" right now. They just want their phone back!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of visual arts and photography. It refers to a wide-angle view of a scene. In Western business culture, "big picture thinking" is a highly valued trait. It is associated with leadership and strategic vision. It suggests that you aren't distracted by daily drama.
Common Variations
You will often hear in the big picture in casual talk. In the grand scheme of things is a more philosophical version. Some people say at the macro level in science or economics. Looking at the totality is very formal and rare. Stick to the larger picture for a professional yet natural feel.
Notas de uso
This phrase is highly versatile but leans toward formal and professional registers. It is a 'perspective-shifting' tool that helps you transition from specific data to general conclusions.
The 'But' Pivot
This phrase almost always follows a 'but'. Mention the small negative thing first, then use 'but in the larger picture' to introduce the positive result.
Don't say 'at'
Many people accidentally say 'at the larger picture'. Always use the preposition 'in'. Think of it like being 'inside' a scene.
The 'Big' vs 'Larger' Secret
In the US, people say 'big picture' more often in conversation. In the UK and in formal writing, 'larger picture' is preferred. Use 'larger' to sound more educated.
Exemplos
6We lost money this month, but in the larger picture, our brand is growing.
Looking at the whole situation, our brand is still becoming more popular.
The speaker uses the phrase to keep the team motivated despite a setback.
In the larger picture, one bad grade won't stop you from graduating.
When you look at your whole college career, this grade isn't a disaster.
This helps the friend gain perspective on a stressful moment.
In the larger picture, these social changes led to a more democratic society.
When considering the whole historical period, these changes were very important.
A classic way to conclude a paragraph in academic writing.
Flight is late, but in the larger picture, I'm just happy to be on vacation!
The delay is annoying, but the overall trip is still going to be great.
Shows a positive attitude toward a minor inconvenience.
The kitchen is a disaster, but in the larger picture, the cake was delicious.
The mess is huge, but the main goal—eating cake—was a success.
Uses a 'big' phrase for a 'small' funny situation.
It hurts now, but in the larger picture, we weren't right for each other.
Looking at our whole future, this split is probably for the best.
Used to find meaning or peace in a difficult emotional time.
Teste-se
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a career change.
I'm nervous about the new job, but ___, it's a great move for my career.
This phrase correctly shifts the focus from 'nerves' to 'career growth'.
Complete the academic conclusion.
___, the data suggests that the experiment was a success.
The preposition 'in' is always used with this specific expression.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Big Picture' Expressions
Used with close friends or family.
In the big picture...
Good for work emails or general talk.
All things considered...
Best for essays, speeches, and presentations.
In the larger picture...
Used in high-level academic or legal texts.
In the grand scheme of things...
When to use 'In the Larger Picture'
Business Strategy
Focusing on 5-year goals.
Academic Writing
Summarizing a thesis conclusion.
Giving Advice
Helping a friend see past a mistake.
Personal Growth
Reflecting on life changes.
Perguntas frequentes
11 perguntasIt means considering the whole situation or the long-term effects instead of focusing on small, immediate details. For example, In the larger picture, this delay doesn't matter.
Yes, but it sounds a bit serious. In casual talk, most people say in the big picture instead.
It is very similar to overall, but it feels more visual. It suggests you are looking at a map or a giant painting of your life.
It usually goes at the very beginning of a sentence or right after a comma. Example: The cost is high, but in the larger picture, it is worth it.
No, that would be taken literally. The idiom specifically uses the word picture or scheme.
Not always, but it is usually used to find a 'silver lining' or a reason why a small problem isn't a disaster.
Using the comparative larger implies you are comparing the small detail you just mentioned to the whole situation.
Yes, it is a very common 'signpost' phrase used to help the reader understand the significance of a specific point.
Absolutely. You can say, In the larger picture, that war changed the entire continent.
The most common mistake is using the wrong preposition, like saying on the larger picture or from the larger picture.
It can if you use it to ignore someone's feelings. If someone is crying, don't tell them to look at the larger picture immediately.
Frases relacionadas
The grand scheme of things
The entire history or universe; very long-term perspective.
A bird's eye view
A general overview from a high perspective.
The bottom line
The most important fact or the final result.
All things considered
Taking all the facts into account.
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