a representative picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a representative picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an image or illustration that accurately reflects or exemplifies a particular subject or concept. Example: "The report included a representative picture of the community's demographics, showcasing the diversity of its residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But dozens of current and former Kaplan employees said the videos painted a representative picture.

The New York Times

It is not factual and does not present a representative picture of WWF," said a spokesman.

The Guardian

(a) A representative picture of the hippocampal DG 1 month following transplantation of BrdU-labeled NPCs.

Nature

(e) A representative picture of two cells expressing both BrdU (red) and hIL-1ra (green).

Nature

Use of pleural pH assumes that a single measurement conveys a representative picture of pH throughout the effusion.

Chest

(b) A representative picture in higher magnification of two cells, expressing both BrdU (red) and GFAP (green).

Nature

(d) A representative picture showing two transplanted cells that express both BrdU (red) and IGF-1 (green).

Nature

Five research topics have been selected for this article, and the progress of each research area is briefly described with a representative picture in each topic.

Journal of Hydro-environment Research

The inset in each figure is a representative picture taken by an infrared (IR) microscope and indicates the temperature gradient across the sample.

Nature

(b) A representative picture of the DG from a sham-operated mouse demonstrates the labeling of only two DCX-labeled adult-born cells (green; marked by white arrows).

Nature

(c) A representative picture taken from an adjacent slice, showing two transplanted cells that express both BrdU (red) and BDNF (green).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a representative picture" to illustrate a concept or trend, ensuring it accurately reflects the broader context.

Common error

Avoid using "a representative picture" based solely on limited data; ensure the image truly reflects a broader pattern and isn't an outlier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a representative picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes something that serves as a typical or characteristic example of a larger group or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a representative picture" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes an image or example accurately reflecting a larger trend or concept. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a valid and useful expression. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "a typical illustration" or "a characteristic depiction", "a representative picture" offers a clear and professional way to convey this meaning. When using this phrase, ensure the image truly represents the broader context and isn't based on limited or skewed data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical illustration

Replaces "picture" with "illustration" emphasizing the visual representation's commonness.

a characteristic depiction

Substitutes "representative" with "characteristic" and "picture" with "depiction", highlighting typical traits.

a common portrayal

Replaces "representative" with "common" and "picture" with "portrayal", focusing on widespread representation.

a sample image

Uses "sample" instead of "representative" and "image" instead of "picture", suggesting a smaller piece of the whole.

an exemplary display

Replaces "representative" with "exemplary" and "picture" with "display", highlighting the model aspect of the image.

an illustrative example

Substitutes "representative picture" with a more direct phrase, emphasizing the role of the image as an example.

a revealing snapshot

Replaces "representative" with "revealing" and "picture" with "snapshot", suggesting a brief but informative view.

a telling image

Substitutes "representative" with "telling" which implies that the image is revealing or significant.

a suggestive depiction

Replaces "representative" with "suggestive" and "picture" with "depiction", changing the nuance to an implied meaning.

a faithful likeness

Replaces "representative" with "faithful" and "picture" with "likeness", suggesting accuracy in resemblance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a representative picture" to describe an image or example that accurately reflects a larger trend or concept. For instance, "The study included "a representative picture" of the demographic distribution in the region".

What phrases can I use instead of "a representative picture"?

Alternatives include "a typical illustration", "a characteristic depiction", or "an illustrative example", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a representative picture" in formal writing?

Yes, "a representative picture" is appropriate for formal writing, as it's a clear and professional way to indicate that an image or example accurately reflects a larger subject. However, ensure the chosen image truly is representative.

What makes a picture "a representative picture"?

A picture is considered "a representative picture" when it accurately reflects the typical characteristics, trends, or aspects of the larger group or concept it is intended to illustrate. It should not be an outlier or a misleading example.