Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

depict

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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 Guardian

The thousands of images were taken between 2011 and 2013, and according to forensic analysis depict 11,000 deaths.

News & Media

The Guardian

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 Guardian

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.

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

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.

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.

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.

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

The Guardian

"No one else knows how to depict the most horrific nightmares so stunningly beautifully".

Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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".

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: