by portraying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by portraying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of representing or depicting something, often in a creative or illustrative context. Example: "The author conveys deep emotions by portraying the struggles of the main character throughout the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The press began by portraying Girardi as controlling and demanding, a robotic technocrat.

The New Yorker

You cannot show it by portraying only virtuous people; what good is mercy to the virtuous?

The New Yorker

It tried to stir up public anger by portraying the residents as impudent oligarchs.

The Economist

Shearer began her film career by portraying a ballerina in The Red Shoes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it did so in a particularly insidious way: by portraying Africans as apelike savages.

The Washington Post

Glasgow is seeking to attract English tourists by portraying itself as a cultural powerhouse.

The Times

By portraying Islamism as an outside force, it guarantees it added credibility as an internal one.

The Guardian - Opinion

He, too, seemed struck by portraying a character who is essentially himself.

The New York Times

By portraying their lives, I am allowing their voices to be heard by the outside world.

The Guardian - Arts

Avoid creating confusion across these platforms by portraying yourself with consistency.

The Guardian

OK, he's necessarily "representing" his characters, by portraying them on the page.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by portraying" to clearly indicate that a specific representation or depiction is being employed to achieve a particular effect or convey a certain message.

Common error

Avoid using "by portraying" excessively in passive voice, as it can weaken your writing. Instead, opt for active constructions that directly attribute the act of portraying to a specific subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by portraying" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a gerund, indicating the means or method by which an action is carried out. Ludwig's examples show its use to describe how an effect is achieved or a message is conveyed through a specific depiction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by portraying" is a versatile gerund phrase that explains how something is represented or depicted. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from diverse sources, especially in News & Media. When using "by portraying", make sure you clearly attribute the action of portraying to a specific subject to maintain clarity and avoid passive constructions. Consider using alternatives like "through depicting" or "via representation" for variety. The phrase is deemed appropriate for neutral and professional communication, and the extensive examples underscore its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by representing

Similar to portraying but broader in scope.

through depicting

Emphasizes the method of representation.

via representation

Highlights the medium or channel used for depiction.

in illustrating

Focuses on providing examples to clarify.

when depicting

Adds a temporal aspect to the act of portraying.

through demonstrating

Emphasizes showing or proving something.

using imagery of

Highlights the use of visual elements.

with a depiction of

Focuses on the presence of a visual representation.

in the act of showing

Highlights the action of presenting something.

by means of visualization

Emphasizes the use of visual aids for representation.

FAQs

How can I use "by portraying" in a sentence?

You can use "by portraying" to describe how someone or something is represented or depicted. For example: "The film gains emotional depth "by portraying" the character's internal struggles."

What are some alternatives to "by portraying"?

Alternatives include "through depicting", "via representation", or "in illustrating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to determine the most appropriate option.

Is it correct to use "by portraying" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. For example: "By portraying the protagonist as flawed, the author creates a more relatable character."

What is the difference between "by portraying" and "by representing"?

"By portraying" often suggests a more artistic or illustrative representation, while "by representing" is broader and can refer to any form of standing in for something else. The choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the representation.