an image of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an image of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "an image of" when you want to describe a representation of something. For example, "The painting was an image of a peaceful beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She's an image of stricken innocence.

The New York Times - Arts

They embrace: an image of barriers broken.

The New York Times

But photography is an image of memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is an image of life unstoppable.

The Guardian - Arts

At least it's an image of a woman, I guess.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's not an image of misery," says Thompson.

The Guardian - Books

This is an image of it being loaded in Kuwait.

The New York Times

Selassie projected an image of himself as a paternalistic ruler.

The Guardian - Books

It is an image of almost impossible glamour and promise.

The Guardian - Opinion

We need an image of peace and stability".

The New York Times

His 1980s grammar school is an image of Thatcherite Britain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an image of" to clearly convey that something is a visual representation or depiction of something else. Be mindful of the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "an image of" when referring to abstract concepts or ideas that don't have a direct visual representation. Opt for phrases like "a representation of" or "an idea of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an image of" functions as a noun phrase complement, often following a verb like 'is', 'shows', or 'represents'. It describes something as a visual representation or depiction of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an image of" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe something as a visual representation or depiction of something else. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When writing, remember that it's important to use it when referring to concrete things that you can directly visualize, and it's often interchangeable with alternatives such as ""a depiction of"" or ""a representation of"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a depiction of

Replaces "image" with "depiction", emphasizing the act of representing something visually.

a representation of

Substitutes "image" with "representation", highlighting the portrayal of something.

a portrayal of

Uses "portrayal" instead of "image", focusing on the way something is presented or depicted.

a visual of

Replaces "image" with "visual", emphasizing the visual aspect of the representation.

a likeness of

Employs "likeness" instead of "image", stressing the similarity to what is being represented.

a reflection of

Uses "reflection" instead of "image", suggesting a mirroring or representation of something.

a symbol of

Replaces "image" with "symbol", indicating that the representation stands for something else.

an illustration of

Substitutes "image" with "illustration", highlighting a visual explanation or depiction.

a snapshot of

Uses "snapshot" instead of "image", suggesting a brief or momentary view.

a facsimile of

Replaces "image" with "facsimile", emphasizing that the depiction is a copy or reproduction.

FAQs

How can I use "an image of" in a sentence?

"An image of" is used to describe something that visually represents something else. For example, "The painting is "an image of" a peaceful landscape".

What are some alternatives to "an image of"?

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

Is there a difference between "an image of" and "a picture of"?

While both phrases refer to visual representations, "an image of" can sometimes imply a more conceptual or symbolic representation, while "a picture of" is generally more literal. For example, saying "He has "an image of" success" implies a broader concept than "He has "a picture of" his graduation".

When is it appropriate to use "an image of" instead of "a symbol of"?

"An image of" is suitable when referring to a direct visual representation, whereas "a symbol of" is more appropriate when referring to something that represents an abstract concept or idea. For instance, "The flag is "a symbol of" patriotism", while "The photograph is "an image of" the event".