a common picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a widely recognized or typical image or representation of something. Example: "In many cultures, a common picture of happiness includes family gatherings and celebrations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Dave Todd, national representative with the POA, said a common picture was emerging.

The Guardian

It is shown that ΔX can arrange the various metals and the different crystal faces into a common picture.

Electrochimica Acta

By sharing data across the whole system, we would have a common picture of what is happening in our airspace.

The New York Times

This "patchwork of incomes" has become a common picture for young people – and those who were young when they started out – fighting for an academic career.

The Guardian

But because it simplifies a complex reality, the description ensures that all the employees of the organization have a common picture of its customers.

Harvard Business Review

Comprehensive statistics on the region may be lagging, given its vast distances and decades of civil war, but a common picture is emerging.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Figure 2 shows the four colored limbs on a large common picture after individual work.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This image did not actually appear in Playboy (in which a fairly common picture of Mileena in her primary costume in Deception was published instead) but was used as an unlockable picture for an in-game gallery.

Wikipedia

In summary, an emerging common picture from knockout studies in mice and flies as animal models for CLS is a postsynaptic requirement of RSK proteins for efficient synaptic transmission.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Robynn Leidig on Wednesday stood in front of a classroom of seventh-graders at Toll Middle School as their raised hands began to paint an all too common picture of verbal, cyber, emotional and sexual bullying.

Los Angeles Times

It is a dismal but depressingly common picture in west Africa's largest country.Niger is, by the reckoning of the UN's Human Development Index, the poorest place on earth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common picture", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a widely held understanding, a typical representation, or a shared perspective. Providing specific details can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a common picture" is universally shared; acknowledge that perspectives may vary across different groups or individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it signifies a widely recognized or typical image, concept, or understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common picture" is a versatile noun phrase denoting a shared understanding or typical representation. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts, as demonstrated by its frequent use in news, science, and formal business settings. However, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and recognize that individual perspectives may vary. For alternative expressions, consider "a shared perspective" or "a typical depiction" for enhanced clarity. In essence, "a common picture" is a valuable tool for establishing common ground, provided its inherent limitations are acknowledged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical depiction

Replaces 'picture' with 'depiction', stressing the manner of representation as being standard.

a standard representation

Implies that the image is a regular and recognized form.

a shared perspective

Focuses on the idea of agreement in viewpoint rather than a visual representation.

a collective image

Highlights the aspect of being formed from many sources or members.

a prevailing view

Indicates the most accepted or dominant opinion on a matter.

a widespread understanding

Emphasizes that comprehension of something is prevalent among many people.

a unified vision

Suggests a coherent and shared concept of the future or goals.

a mutual comprehension

Focuses on the reciprocal nature of understanding between individuals or groups.

a general consensus

Highlights agreement or accord in opinion.

a familiar scenario

Highlights the commonness of the situation rather than a literal image.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common picture" to refer to a shared understanding or a typical representation of something. For example, "The project aims to create "a common picture" of the company's goals."

What are some alternatives to "a common picture"?

Alternatives include "a shared perspective", "a widespread understanding", or "a typical depiction" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to assume "a common picture" exists?

No, assuming "a common picture" exists can be misleading. It's important to acknowledge that different people may have different perspectives or understandings.

How does "a common picture" differ from "a general understanding"?

"A common picture" often implies a more visual or easily understood representation, while "a general understanding" refers more broadly to a shared comprehension of facts or concepts.