a simple picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an image that is uncomplicated or easy to understand. Example: "The artist created a simple picture that conveyed deep emotions with minimal detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But those do not amount to a simple picture that A leads to B".

The New York Times

And how much more soulful is sharing a simple picture than 140 characters?

The Guardian - Arts

Or perhaps this is overreaching, seeing too much in a simple picture.

The New York Times

A lamellar model provides a simple picture that frequently leads to accurate predictions and indicates when mixing effects are important.

Chemical Engineering Science

But many countries in East and South-East Asia share enough features to make a simple picture tolerably accurate.

The Economist

"He drew me a simple picture of a neuron, and pretty soon I was off to the races".

The New York Times - Books

The exploitation of this pneumatic, mocking, liquid-lipped goddess gave the world a simple picture of the Lorelei.

The Guardian - Books

A simple picture of a polymer molecule inside a pore at the point of exclusion-adsorption transition is presented, based on the Debye-Bueche model.

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

According to Bahcall, "We do not have a simple picture--we have a mess".

Science Magazine

By 1971, Kosh followed up with "Let It Be" and The Who's infamous "Who's Next". Again he produced a simple picture--the band standing around a giant concrete block they appeared to have urinated on.

Los Angeles Times

But the subtext was to remind voters of a simpler picture of Shorten sitting in the cold by a mine pit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a simple picture", ensure that the image you're referring to genuinely lacks complexity. Overstating its simplicity can undermine your message.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a simple picture" implies a lack of depth or meaning. A simple image can still convey profound ideas or emotions; simplicity refers to its composition, not its content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple picture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'simple' modifies 'picture'. It often acts as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting an image that is uncomplicated or easily grasped. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a simple picture" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an image that is easy to understand, lacking in complexity, or visually straightforward. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. While seemingly straightforward, the phrase’s effectiveness relies on genuine simplicity in the referred image and an understanding that simplicity doesn't equate to a lack of depth. Alternatives such as "an uncomplicated image" or "a clear depiction" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance intended. Understanding the contexts, avoiding overstatements, and recognizing the potential for depth in simplicity will help writers use this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncomplicated image

Focuses on the lack of complexity in the image itself.

a basic illustration

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the visual representation.

an easy-to-understand diagram

Highlights the clarity and accessibility of the visual.

a clear depiction

Stresses the distinctness and unambiguity of the representation.

a straightforward representation

Indicates an absence of convolution in the way something is portrayed.

a concise portrayal

Focuses on brevity and lack of unnecessary detail in the depiction.

a rudimentary sketch

Suggests a basic and undeveloped drawing.

a schematic representation

Implies a diagrammatic and simplified view.

a minimalist graphic

Highlights the reduced and essential nature of the visual.

an uncluttered visual

Focuses on the lack of distracting elements in the image.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple picture" to describe an image that is easy to understand or lacking in complex details. For example, "The presentation included a simple picture to illustrate the main concept."

What are some alternatives to saying "a simple picture"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an uncomplicated image", "a basic illustration", or "a clear depiction".

Is it always better to use "a simple picture" over a complex one?

Not necessarily. The best choice depends on the message you want to convey. Sometimes, complexity is necessary to accurately represent a subject, while other times, "a simple picture" is more effective for clarity.

What does it mean when someone describes something as "a simple picture"?

It usually means they are referring to something that is easily understood or visually straightforward, without a lot of intricate details or confusing elements.