a plain picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an image that is simple, straightforward, or lacking in complexity or embellishment. Example: "The artist chose to create a plain picture to convey the beauty of simplicity in nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A man's life is such a long affair, and things said at his departure are often so sticky, that it is a great happiness to come across something which gives a plain picture of a life: Frank Berry, 74 years old, of Chestnut Tree Hill's funeral will be held in Ward's parlor on Wed. at 2 30.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Apartment, the next year, won Oscars for best picture, best direction and screenplay, yet it's a plainer picture, even if it shows a shrewd, quite nasty awareness of the compromising in American life.

The Guardian

You can insert a still image of a plain black picture (easily created in Microsoft Paint or other comparable programs.

WikiHow

See that old plain picture frame?

WikiHow

The author discusses children's reactions to art, explaining that they like plain pictures enriched by gaudiness; a demonstrably clever and neat-figured technique,with no art concealing art about it.

The New Yorker

By Sylvia Townsend Warner The New Yorker, June 14 , 1969P. 43 The author discusses children's reactions to art, explaining that they like plain pictures enriched by gaudiness; a demonstrably clever and neat-figured technique,with no art concealing art about it.

The New Yorker

Thank goodness also for Stieglitz's snapshots: his houseguests chomping viciously on ears of corn and playfully pushing one another under the water, his plain pictures of the house and barn at Lake George.

The New York Times - Arts

For more Pictureplane check out his blog Plain Pictures or follow Pictureplane on Twitter.

Huffington Post

In a plain notebook, paste pictures of styles that you like and jot down notes about outfits you see.

WikiHow

And that is the thing which gives it, as a picture, a plain and moving gallantry.

The New York Times

'When you buy a record, do you want a plain sleeve or a picture?' As a consumer, I bought records for what they looked like and how they felt.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plain picture" when you want to emphasize the simplicity or lack of embellishment in a visual representation. It's suitable when the image's unadorned nature is a key characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "a plain picture" as a generic descriptor when the image possesses specific qualities (e.g., color, style, content). Opt for more precise adjectives to better convey the image's characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "plain" modifies the noun "picture". It describes the visual characteristics of an image, indicating simplicity or lack of adornment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a plain picture" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a simple, unadorned image. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across different contexts. It's prevalent in news media and general writing, indicating a neutral register. While straightforward, it is advised to use more descriptive terms if the image has distinct characteristics beyond its simplicity. Alternatives like "a simple image" or "a basic illustration" can provide nuanced descriptions, depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple image

Focuses on the lack of complexity in the image.

an unadorned photograph

Emphasizes the absence of decorative elements in the photograph.

a basic illustration

Highlights the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the illustration.

a minimalist depiction

Stresses the use of only essential elements in the visual representation.

a stark visual

Conveys the image's severe simplicity and lack of ornamentation.

a clear portrayal

Emphasizes the directness and lack of ambiguity in the representation.

a straightforward graphic

Highlights the uncomplicated and direct nature of the graphic.

an elementary drawing

Emphasizes the simple and fundamental nature of the drawing.

a modest representation

Underlines the unassuming and unpretentious nature of the representation.

an austere image

Focuses on the image's severe and unembellished quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a plain picture" to describe an image that is simple, straightforward, or lacking in complexity, such as, "The presentation included "a plain picture" of the product to highlight its basic features".

What's the difference between "a plain picture" and "a simple image"?

While both phrases suggest a lack of complexity, "a plain picture" may also imply a lack of visual appeal or distinctiveness, whereas "a simple image" primarily emphasizes the absence of complicated elements.

What are some alternatives to "a plain picture"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a simple image", "a basic illustration", or "an unadorned photograph" to describe a non-complex visual.

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

It is appropriate to use "a plain picture" when you want to highlight the unadorned, simple, or basic nature of a visual representation, especially when its lack of complexity is a key aspect or intended effect.