a thousand words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thousand words" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to convey the idea that a picture or visual representation can express complex ideas or emotions more effectively than words alone. Example: "They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this photograph truly captures the essence of the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Make it "a thousand words".

The New York Times

A poster is worth a thousand words.

The New York Times

"A thousand words pays $7.50".

The New York Times

The pictures speak a thousand words.

Columbia University

Is a picture worth a thousand words?

Harvard University

Pictures are worth a thousand words.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The images are worth a thousand words".

The Guardian

A picture's worth a thousand words.

The Guardian

Contains about a thousand words and phrases.

The New Yorker

They say a profile picture is worth a thousand words.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A: Two words: Brigitte Macron.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the value of an image, consider using the idiom "a picture is worth a thousand words" to underscore its expressiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "a thousand words" literally to describe the length of a written piece. It's best used metaphorically to convey the richness or complexity of a subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thousand words" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a figurative expression. Ludwig AI confirms its use in conveying that visuals or experiences can communicate more effectively than extensive text. This is evident in phrases like "a picture is worth a thousand words".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0.5%

Science

10.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thousand words" is a common and grammatically correct expression, often used to highlight the expressive power of visuals. Ludwig AI's analysis underscores its versatility, suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to academic discussions. The idiom "a picture is worth a thousand words" encapsulates this concept effectively, suggesting that images can often convey more than lengthy descriptions. While generally neutral, the formality can shift based on the specific context. When using it, remember its figurative essence rather than a literal measure of length.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Multitude of words

Replaces 'thousand' with 'multitude', emphasizing a large quantity without a specific number.

Countless words

Similar to 'multitude', highlights the inability to count the number of words.

Extensive description

Focuses on the detailed and thorough nature of a description.

Lengthy explanation

Emphasizes the duration or extent of an explanation.

Detailed account

Highlights the comprehensive nature of a narrative or report.

Comprehensive report

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness of a report.

In-depth analysis

Focuses on the depth and thoroughness of an analysis.

Elaborate account

Similar to 'detailed account', emphasizes the richness of detail.

Profuse verbiage

Indicates an excessive use of words, often negatively.

Copious narration

Focuses on the abundant and plentiful nature of the narration.

FAQs

How can I use "a thousand words" in a sentence?

You can use "a thousand words" to emphasize the impact of an image or experience. For example, "The photograph conveyed "a thousand words" about the refugee crisis."

What's an alternative to saying "a picture is worth a thousand words"?

Alternatives include "actions speak louder than words", or emphasizing the image's expressiveness directly. For example: "The image provided an "extensive description" of the events".

Is it correct to use "a thousand words" to describe a long document?

While technically correct if the document is actually that length, it's more commonly used figuratively. If you want to specify the length, saying "the essay is "a thousand words long"" is clearer. Alternatively, you can say that you need to write "a multitude of words".

What does it mean when someone says "a picture speaks a thousand words"?

It means that the image is very expressive and conveys a great deal of information or emotion without needing verbal explanation. It suggests the image's impact is equivalent to "countless words".