a tableau of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tableau of" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to a representation of something, typically consisting of a group of objects or people. For example: The painting was a tableau of musicians playing in an orchestra.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The road was a tableau of destruction.

The New York Times - Magazine

His office is a tableau of serenity.

The New York Times

Carpenter had indeed created a tableau of the cabinet meeting.

The New York Times

It is a tableau of the frontier sublime.

The New York Times - Arts

People gathered around and raised their hands to God, a tableau of racial harmony.

The New York Times

He begins by staging a tableau of performers posed by their pile of presents.

The New Yorker

ABOVE Gaza's parliament hangs a tableau of two smiling Islamist leaders.

The Economist

As in "The Hangover," each features a tableau of unconscious characters in a room in disarray.

The New York Times

Mark Henderson's lighting makes a tableau of boisterous picnickers, and encloses a babushka with a basket.

The Guardian

For his part, Mr. Williams has composed a tableau of unusual vividness and variety.

The New York Times

Voltaire claimed that "history is nothing more than a tableau of crimes and misfortunes".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tableau of" when you want to evoke a sense of a carefully arranged or striking scene, whether real or imagined. It's particularly effective when describing visual arts, theatrical performances, or significant moments.

Common error

Avoid using "a tableau of" to describe simple collections or groupings of items. The phrase implies a deliberate arrangement and visual impact, not just any assortment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tableau of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a descriptor, often preceding a noun that represents what is being depicted in a vivid or artistic way. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tableau of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that paints a picture of a striking or arranged scene. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showcasing its prevalence in News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for instances where a deliberate visual impact is intended, avoiding overuse in simple descriptive contexts. For alternatives, consider "a depiction of" or "a representation of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a depiction of

Focuses on the act of representing visually or verbally.

a representation of

Emphasizes the act of standing in for something else, often symbolically.

a scene of

Highlights a specific event or setting that is observed or imagined.

an image of

Refers to a visual representation, often static and captured in a photograph or painting.

a panorama of

Suggests a wide, sweeping view or comprehensive presentation.

a snapshot of

Implies a quick, fleeting glimpse or impression.

a display of

Conveys a public showing or exhibition of something.

an exhibit of

Similar to 'a display', but often used in the context of a museum or gallery.

an array of

Suggests a diverse and organized collection or arrangement.

a spectacle of

Implies a visually striking or impressive sight, often on a grand scale.

FAQs

How can I use "a tableau of" in a sentence?

Use "a tableau of" to describe a striking or carefully arranged scene, like "The garden was a tableau of colorful flowers".

What's a good substitute for "a tableau of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a depiction of", "a representation of", or "a scene of".

Is "tableau" singular or plural?

"Tableau" is singular; the plural form is "tableaux".

What does "a tableau of" imply about the scene or subject?

It implies that the scene is artfully arranged, striking, or visually noteworthy, suggesting a deliberate composition.