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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
depict
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word 'depict' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about describing or showing something in words or pictures. For example: The artist depicted a beautiful landscape in her latest painting.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Nelson, about half way through his five-year contract, ranges broadly during our conversation about the direction of the memorial on his watch, its depiction of Indigenous Australians, its refusal to depict colonial frontier war, the impact of war on service personnel and their families, and the pantheon of the first world war in Australia's cultural and historical narrative.
News & Media
The thousands of images were taken between 2011 and 2013, and according to forensic analysis depict 11,000 deaths.
News & Media
Sturgeon, who would later do more than anyone to make Scottish nationalism synonymous with a centre-left agenda, sought to depict independence as both constitutional and personal.
News & Media
The merging of two separate shots was intended to depict caring Chinese politicians visiting a sweet old lady, but only gave the internet Orwellian nightmares – and obliged the image-makers to undergo some pretty unflinching Maoist self-criticism.
News & Media
We won't accept any images which depict children or appear to be imitating another individual, or which otherwise fall foul of our existing community standards governing taste and decency, violence or illegal acts, and incitement or intent to cause offence.
News & Media
This inspired calls for the stone Indigenous faces not to be permanently replaced along with the other 24 that depict, among other creatures, a kangaroo and a koala, a platypus and a frill necked lizard.
News & Media
Smith's first encounter with del Cossa came when she stumbled across one of the images from the fresco cycle, which depict the months of the year, in Frieze magazine in April 2013.
News & Media
Where adventure stories used to depict a landscape alive with youngsters finding buried treasure, thwarting robbers and rounding up Nazi spies, the constraints on modern children mean authors must now invent whole fantastic worlds before their young heroes can enjoy any freedom.
News & Media
It's the first time a professional camera crew has been allowed inside them, and the film aims to depict a different side to a war that has been ravaging the country for three decades.
News & Media
Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.30pm BST23 30 The Obama campaign released a memo today saying the "verifiable numbers that clearly impact the election" – voter registration and early voting – depict a big advantage for the president.
News & Media
"No one else knows how to depict the most horrific nightmares so stunningly beautifully".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "depict" when you want to emphasize the act of representing something visually or verbally, often with a focus on accuracy or detail. For example, "The painting accurately depicts the scene."
Common error
Avoid using "depict" when a simpler verb like "show" or "describe" would be more appropriate and natural. Overusing "depict" can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The verb "depict" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It is used to describe the act of representing something, either visually or verbally, emphasizing the manner in which the subject is portrayed. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
47%
Formal & Business
28%
Science
25%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "depict" is a versatile verb used to represent something visually or verbally. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific writings. While "depict" is more formal than simpler alternatives like "show" or "describe", overuse should be avoided. Its high frequency and authoritative source usage underscore its significance in effective communication. For alternatives, you can consider phrases like "portray" or "illustrate" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
portray
Focuses on representing someone or something in art or literature, often with a specific intention or style.
illustrate
Emphasizes clarifying or explaining something through examples, diagrams, or other visual aids.
represent
Highlights the act of standing for or symbolizing something else.
describe
Focuses on providing a detailed account of something using words.
show
Implies making something visible or apparent, either literally or figuratively.
render
Suggests transforming something into a different form or medium, often with artistic skill.
delineate
Highlights outlining or defining something clearly and precisely.
sketch
Suggests creating a rough or preliminary drawing or description.
image
Implies creating a mental picture or representation of something.
evoke
Focuses on bringing a feeling, memory, or image to mind.
FAQs
How can I use "depict" in a sentence?
You can use "depict" to describe how something is represented, such as "The novel "depicts the struggles" of immigrants" or "The artist used vibrant colors to "depict the sunset"."
What words are similar to "depict"?
Similar words include "portray", "illustrate", "represent", and "describe". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it formal to use the word "depict"?
"Depict" is generally considered a more formal word than synonyms like "show" or "display", but it is appropriate in both academic and professional writing. Its formality aligns with that of "portray" or "illustrate".
When should I use "depict" instead of "describe"?
Use "depict" when you want to emphasize the act of representing something visually or symbolically, while "describe" is better suited for providing a detailed account in words. You "depict a scene", but "describe a character".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested