conjure images

USAGE SUMMARY

"conjure images" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of creating a mental image of something by imagining it. For example, "As the author described the cityscape, I could easily conjure images of the hustle and bustle of the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These terms immediately conjure images of adventure, stoicism and heroism.

The New York Times

Walden Pond may conjure images of a New England idyll.

The New York Times

To many people, experiments conjure images of twisted scientists.

Harvard Business Review

Skin lightening may conjure images of geishas or Kabuki theater.

The New York Times

Don't say words to people, because words conjure images.

The New Yorker

The name Daniel Ortega will always conjure images of revolution.

The New York Times

Green buildings usually conjure images of super-efficient, high-tech constructions, not stunned or dead birds.

The New York Times

Citing a mafia boss does not conjure images of lasting collaboration in the group.

The New York Times

The redesigned front grill is meant to conjure images of "an eagle's wings".

The New York Times

Chartered train trips tend to conjure images of flag bunting, stump speeches and glad-handing politicians.

The New York Times

MEDITATION and mindfulness: the words conjure images of yoga retreats and Buddhist monks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conjure images" when you want to emphasize the power of something to create vivid mental impressions or associations.

Common error

Avoid using "conjure images" passively. The phrase works best when something actively "conjures" the images, rather than the images simply appearing. For instance, "The music conjured images of a peaceful forest" is stronger than "Images of a peaceful forest were conjured."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conjure images" functions as a verb phrase where "conjure" is a transitive verb and "images" is the direct object. It describes the act of creating or evoking mental pictures. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase for describing the process of imagining something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conjure images" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media, to describe the act of creating vivid mental pictures. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and readily understood. Alternatives such as "evoke images" or "bring to mind" can be used for similar effect, though "conjure images" often implies a more imaginative or evocative process. When using the phrase, prioritize the active voice to highlight the suggestive power of whatever is conjuring the images. With its frequent use and clear meaning, "conjure images" remains a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke images

Focuses on the ability to bring images to mind, similar to conjure but slightly more passive.

bring to mind

A common way of saying that something makes you think of something else, referring to the creation of the image.

call to mind

Similar to "bring to mind", but slightly more formal and suggestive of deliberate recall.

trigger associations

Highlights the link between a stimulus and the mental images it evokes, focusing on psychological connection.

elicit mental pictures

Emphasizes the drawing out of mental images, suggesting a more active process of creation.

paint a picture

Uses a more figurative language to convey a detailed description.

create a vision

Suggests the creation of something new and imaginative, often with a positive connotation.

suggest associations

Highlights the process of implying connection.

stimulate thoughts

Focuses on the intellectual process.

spark imagination

Emphasizes the beginning of inspiration.

FAQs

How can I use "conjure images" in a sentence?

You can use "conjure images" to describe how something evokes vivid mental pictures. For instance, "The author's vivid descriptions "conjure images" of a bustling marketplace".

What can I say instead of "conjure images"?

You can use alternatives like "evoke images", "bring to mind", or "call to mind" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "conjure images" or "conjure up images"?

"Conjure images" is more direct and commonly used. "Conjure up images" isn't wrong, but it adds an unnecessary word that doesn't change the meaning significantly.

What's the difference between "conjure images" and "create images"?

"Conjure images" implies a more magical or evocative process, suggesting the images arise from suggestion or imagination. "Create images" is a more literal, active construction of visual content.