a clear picture

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clear picture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a clear understanding about something or to describe a literal visual image that is easy to see. For example: "The teacher's explanation gave us a clear picture of how the process worked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Psychoanalyst would say it's a clear picture!

The Guardian - Arts

A. You never get a clear picture.

The New York Times

Take her item by item and get a clear picture.

The Guardian

"We did not have a clear picture," she said.

The New York Times

Q | When will we have a clear picture?

Independent

The proposals gave a clear picture of each district's priorities.

The New York Times

Tennis does not give us a clear picture.

The New York Times - Sports

But a clear picture does not always emerge.

The New York Times

It's not a clear picture across the board".

The New York Times

But the recent surge paints a clear picture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If you can get a clear picture of someone at college, you can get a clear picture of him at any stage of his life".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear picture", ensure the context provides enough information for the audience to easily understand what is being clearly depicted or understood. If the context is vague, the phrase loses its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear picture" with abstract nouns that are inherently difficult to visualize. For example, instead of saying "a clear picture of happiness", try describing the elements that contribute to that feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It describes a situation where something is easily understood or a visual representation that is easily seen. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear picture" is a versatile noun phrase used to indicate a state of understanding or a vivid representation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound and commonly accepted. It is prevalent in diverse fields like news, science, and formal communications, making it a useful tool for conveying clarity and comprehension. While versatile, overuse with abstract ideas should be avoided, focusing instead on tangible descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct image

Focuses more on the visual aspect and the sharpness of the image.

a clean representation

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of distortion in the representation.

a lucid depiction

Highlights the ease of understanding and clarity of the portrayal.

an accurate portrayal

Stresses the correctness and faithfulness of the representation.

a precise account

Focuses on the exactness and detailed nature of the description.

a transparent explanation

Emphasizes the openness and easy-to-understand quality of the explanation.

an unambiguous presentation

Highlights the lack of ambiguity and clarity in the presentation.

a straightforward explanation

Suggests the simplicity and directness of the explanation.

a comprehensive overview

Indicates a thorough and complete understanding of the topic.

a detailed analysis

Focuses on the in-depth and thorough examination of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear picture" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear picture" to describe a situation where something is easily understood. For instance, "The data analysis provided "a clear picture" of the company's financial health."

What are some alternatives to "a clear picture"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a distinct image", "a lucid depiction", or "a straightforward explanation", depending on the context.

Is "a clear picture" formal or informal?

"A clear picture" can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal contexts, more precise language might be preferred, such as "a precise account".

What does it mean to "paint a clear picture"?

To "paint a clear picture" means to describe something in a way that is easy to understand and visualize. It involves providing sufficient detail to create a vivid and comprehensible image in the mind of the audience.