The footage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The footage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to recorded video material, often in contexts related to film, news, or documentation. Example: "The footage from the event clearly shows the crowd's reaction to the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The footage was gruesome.

The New York Times - Magazine

The footage has no sound.

The New Yorker

The footage is herky-jerky.

The New Yorker

The footage then went black.

The New York Times

The footage is spectacular.

The Guardian

The footage is disturbing.

The Guardian

The footage is British.

The New Yorker

The footage was there.

The Guardian

The footage is distressing to watch.

The New Yorker

The footage was captured on Monday.

Independent

The footage stifled the giggles though.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "The footage", ensure the context clearly indicates what the footage is of. For example, specify "The footage from the security camera" or "The footage of the protest".

Common error

Avoid using "The footage" without specifying the source or subject. Saying only "The footage was disturbing" leaves the reader wondering what specific event or subject matter is being referenced. Provide context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The footage" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used to refer to a recorded segment of film or video. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as describing the content or origin of the footage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The footage" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to recorded video or film material. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, clarity benefits from specifying the source or subject of "The footage". Alternatives include "the video" or "the recording", depending on the specific context. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The video recording

Emphasizes the recording aspect, specifying it's a video.

The recorded material

Highlights the fact that it's a recording, but is less specific about format.

The film clips

Refers to short segments of film.

The video segments

Refers to specific portions of the video.

The recorded scenes

Highlights that the material consists of scenes that were recorded.

The captured video

Emphasizes the act of capturing the video.

The video evidence

Suggests that the video serves as proof or verification.

The film documentation

Implies the film is used for record-keeping or proof of something.

The video record

Stresses that video serves as evidence

The moving images

Refers to the visual nature of the footage.

FAQs

How can I use "The footage" in a sentence?

You can use "The footage" to refer to recorded video or film. For example, "The footage showed the suspect entering the building", or "The footage was leaked to the press".

What's a good alternative to saying "The footage"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "the video", "the recording", or "the film" as alternatives to "The footage".

Is it better to say "The footage is" or "The footage are"?

"The footage" is generally treated as a singular noun, so it's more appropriate to say "The footage is". Using "The footage are" would be grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What does "The footage" typically refer to?

"The footage" usually refers to recorded video or film, often used in news reports, documentaries, or surveillance contexts. It implies that the recorded material is being viewed or analyzed.