animation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "animation" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the art of making a series of still images appear to move on a screen, such as in a cartoon, movie, or video game. For example, "The animation in the cartoon was so realistic, it almost looked like the characters were really moving!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adapted from a comic book written by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell possesses many hallmarks of the anime (Japanese animation) genre: vast metropolises, lovingly detailed robots, military hardware, pneumatic women with huge eyes.

The Guardian - Film

Nearly two decades ago, the release of the movie adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's intense, apocalyptic, epic manga Akira became for many English-speaking audiences their first experience of Japanese animation, or anime.

The Guardian

Gabriella Capra, 40, has requested damages from the London-based animation studio Astley Baker Davies after friends and colleagues made fun of her animal namesake, said the Italian national foundation of consumers (FNC).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The King Of Pigs Two ex-schoolmates revisit their violent past in this grown-up Korean animation.

The Guardian - Film

Whole lines of sweets vanish in zooming animation.

The Guardian - Tech

The biggest animation opening weekend in the history of Universal Pictures owes much to Chris Meledandri, head of the studio-owned Illumination Entertainment.

The Guardian - Film

Should the Hamburglar have remained a goofy animation?

The Guardian - Business

You might remember the impenetrable Donnie Darko website from first time around: it's suitably mysterious and vague and the whole thing is laden with Flash animation that'll test your patience way more than the film's plot.

The Guardian - Film

A reissue for what you might now call a golden age Pixar animation: a warm up for next year's sequel, but still better than most current family movies.

The Guardian - Film

Satellite Help your key stage 3 students learn about satellites and their purpose with this article and animation.

The Guardian

I wonder quite how Toy Story 3 will compare to the animation studio's more recent films when it arrives in cinemas here next summer, for watching the first film at the cinema a few weeks back, I felt it rather paled in comparison with modern classics such as The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Wall-E and the new Up.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use animation to clarify complex processes. Animations can make difficult subjects easier to understand and more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "animation" as a catch-all term for all visual effects. While animation is a subset of visual effects, not all visual effects are animation.

Linguistic Context

The word "animation" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the process or result of creating moving images. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showcasing "animation" in contexts ranging from film and technology to art and science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Animation is a versatile term used as a noun, denoting the technique of creating moving images, the films themselves, or the industry surrounding them. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its register varies from neutral to formal, particularly in technical or academic contexts. Common synonyms include "animated film", "cartooning", and "motion graphics". When writing about "animation", be specific about the aspect you're discussing, such as the art style, fluidity, or storytelling. Avoid the error of using "animation" as a catch-all for all visual effects. Given its prevalence in news, business, and science, understanding its nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

animating

Refers to the process of creating animation.

animated film

Specifies the medium of film for the animation.

cartooning

Focuses on the art of drawing cartoons, a form of animation.

computer animation

Highlights the use of computers in the animation process.

motion graphics

Emphasizes the use of graphics to create the illusion of motion.

stop motion

Refers to a specific animation technique involving physical manipulation of objects.

cel animation

Refers to a traditional animation technique using transparent celluloid sheets.

bringing to life

Focuses on the act of making something inanimate appear alive.

visual effects

Broadens the scope to include a wider range of visual techniques, including animation.

creating movement

Emphasizes the aspect of generating movement in visual content.

FAQs

How is "animation" used in film?

"Animation" in film is the technique of creating the illusion of movement by showing a sequence of static images in quick succession. Examples include animated feature films and special effects that use animated elements.

What are some different types of "animation"?

Different types of "animation" include traditional "cel animation", "computer animation", "stop motion", and "motion graphics", each with its unique creation process and visual style.

What's the difference between "animation" and cartoons?

"Animation" is the broad technique of creating moving images from still drawings or models. Cartoons are a specific style or genre of animation, usually characterized by stylized or exaggerated characters and situations.

What can I say instead of "animation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "animated film", "cartooning", or "motion graphics" to be more specific. The term "bringing to life" can be used when describing the general act of making something inanimate appear alive.