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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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a realistic portrayal of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a realistic portrayal of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing representations of people, events, or situations that aim to reflect reality accurately. Example: "The film is praised for its realistic portrayal of life in a small town during the 1950s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Is "Black Swan" a realistic portrayal of life in a ballet company?

News & Media

The New York Times

In other words, it's wrong to see impressionist art as a realistic portrayal of contemporary life.

In a statement released last month, Morell insisted that Zero Dark Thirty was "a dramatisation, not a realistic portrayal of the facts".

The book gives a realistic portrayal of an adolescent coming to terms with where discrimination can lead, and what she can do to stand against it.

News & Media

The Guardian

A Beijing real-estate entrepreneur told me, "Of all the shows I've watched, this comes closest to a realistic portrayal of contemporary reality — though it shows only the tip of the iceberg".

News & Media

The New Yorker

But that skit was more of a caricature of some ideological cable guys and besotted columnists — including some conservatives — than a realistic portrayal of his relationship with the "working" press.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The others were "A Woman Under the Influence," in 1974, a brutally realistic portrayal of a marriage undermined by mental illness, directed by Cassavetes, for which Mr. Falk's co-star and Cassavetes's wife, Gena Rowlands, was nominated for an Academy Award; and "Mikey and Nicky" in 1976, a dark buddy film directed by Elaine May in which the two men played the title roles.

All too familiar material for Mr De Palma who, in a critically acclaimed 1989 film "Casualties of War", put the audience through a harrowingly realistic portrayal of an atrocity committed 20 years earlier by American soldiers in Vietnam.In "Casualties of War" Mr De Palma thought that gory voyeurism might awaken American consciences about a past event.

News & Media

The Economist

I think this is a very realistic portrayal of a struggling actress in Los Angeles.

News & Media

Huffington Post

This presence of a horse rather than a mule was one of the most major grounds for Delaroche's criticism of David's version, and is the basis of Delaroche's claim that Bonaparte Crossing the Alps, which includes a mule, is a more realistic portrayal of the scene.

The higher cost of a mock trial allows for a more realistic portrayal of the real trial and (researchers hope) more accurate data.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for objectivity, use "a realistic portrayal of" to depict situations without embellishment or bias. It's suitable in analytical writing where factual accuracy is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "a realistic portrayal of" when describing purely subjective experiences or artistic interpretations where realism is not the primary goal. For example, instead of saying "a realistic portrayal of a dream", consider "a dreamlike interpretation of" or "a surreal depiction of".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a realistic portrayal of" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject complement or object, describing the nature or quality of something being represented. This is evident in Ludwig examples where it qualifies a film, book, or artistic work.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a realistic portrayal of" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something that accurately reflects reality. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki and Science. While generally neutral, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in subjective contexts. Alternatives like "an accurate depiction of" or "a true-to-life representation of" can provide nuanced variations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "a realistic portrayal of" in a sentence?

Use "a realistic portrayal of" when you want to describe something that accurately reflects reality. For example, "The movie received praise for its "a realistic portrayal of" the struggles faced by immigrants".

What are some alternatives to "a realistic portrayal of"?

You can use alternatives such as "an accurate depiction of", "a true-to-life representation of", or "an authentic depiction of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "realistic portrayal" or "accurate portrayal"?

While both are valid, "realistic portrayal" emphasizes the resemblance to reality, whereas "accurate portrayal" focuses on the correctness and truthfulness of the representation. The best choice depends on whether you're highlighting verisimilitude or factual correctness.

What's the difference between "a realistic portrayal of" and "a vivid portrayal of"?

"A realistic portrayal of" focuses on accuracy and truthfulness, while "a vivid portrayal of" emphasizes the clarity, intensity, and detailed nature of the representation. For example, a documentary aims for "a realistic portrayal of" events, while a painting might aim for "a vivid portrayal of" a scene.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: