a picture show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a picture show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a movie or film, often in a nostalgic or informal context. Example: "We decided to go to the local theater to catch a picture show on Saturday night."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Books

News

Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This time it is mainly a picture show, and the focus has expanded to embrace a whole basket of liberal, humanist values.

The New York Times - Arts

In contrast, a Picture Show advert from October 6 , 1923promoted Pompeian Day Cream by adapting the story format used more widely within the magazine, creating a fictional female character as the heroine of a half-page short story titled "The Dangerous Age" (1923, 23).

Columbia University

Burden is another mathematical whiz, one who perhaps has an early vision of the Internet ("It would be like watching a picture show," he tells his new wife. "But one where the film has been shot at every angle, from every point in space").

The New York Times - Books

A group of locals, including Tenpa Dorjee of Tibet Handicrafts, who traveled to a remote Tibetan refugee settlement are hosting a "Thank You" event with the community by showing a picture show of their trip at 6 30 p.m. Saturday at Neighborhood Congregational Church at 340 St. Ann's Drive.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Below is a picture showing this hierarchical infrastructure.

Stanford University

A picture shows them lying in pools of blood.

The Guardian

Please draw a picture showing Miss America in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Mr. Guzman had a picture showing Travis in a red T-shirt, smiling broadly.

The New York Times

Such a picture showed how the new style could become a respectable art of the salon.

The Guardian - Arts

Or parents can post near the computer a picture showing good posture.

The New York Times - Tech

A picture showing police on horseback was from the miners' strike in 1984.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a picture show", consider the context and audience. It is often best suited for informal or nostalgic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a picture show" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more contemporary terms like "film screening" or "movie presentation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a picture show" functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to a movie or film screening. Ludwig AI confirms this through available examples, indicating its use in describing events related to films and visual presentations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a picture show" is a noun phrase referring to a film screening, best suited for informal or nostalgic contexts. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it's less common in formal settings. The phrase functions to describe film-related events and is found primarily in news and academic contexts. For formal usage, consider alternatives like "movie screening" or "film presentation". Keep in mind the potential for overuse in professional writing and opt for more contemporary terms to maintain a professional tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English but carries a vintage connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moving picture

Replaces "show" by its explicit definition - 'moving picture'.

a movie showing

A more common and modern synonym by replacing the term movie.

a film showing

Film replaces the general reference of picture and focuses on the act of showing.

a movie screening

Replaces "picture" with "movie" focusing on the act of showing a film.

a movie presentation

Replaces "picture" and "show" with general movie and presentation.

a film presentation

Substitutes "picture" with "film" and "show" with "presentation", making it slightly more formal.

a film screening

Film takes the place of picture and it is focused on the projection.

a cinematic display

Uses more elevated language, replacing "picture" and "show" with "cinematic" and "display" respectively.

a visual display

Generalizes the phrase to any kind of visual presentation, which is more abstract.

a photographic exhibition

Shifts the context to a display of still photographs, more formal.

FAQs

What does "a picture show" mean?

"A picture show" is an older term that refers to a movie or film screening, often used in a nostalgic or informal context.

What can I say instead of "a picture show"?

You can use alternatives like "movie screening", "film presentation", or simply "movie" or "film depending on the context.

Is "a picture show" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a picture show" is grammatically correct, although it is considered an older or more informal term.

When is it appropriate to use "a picture show"?

It is appropriate to use "a picture show" in informal conversations, nostalgic reflections, or when trying to evoke a vintage feel. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.