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
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
depicted by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "depicted by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or object that is being represented in a visual way, either in words or with an actual image. For example, "The protagonist of the story is depicted by a river otter in the illustrations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
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
The null subgroup is depicted by lines.
Science & Research
The ETB receptors are depicted by ribbons.
Science & Research
The suspended section of the tubular string is depicted by beam-column model and the continuous contact section is depicted by helix.
Left: Time sequence of a snake, in red, depicted by x-ray detectors.
Academia
Degree of relatedness and diversity of known organisms, as depicted by the similarity of DNA sequences.
What is the object and/or activity depicted by the tomb model?
Shinn's "Singer," who is on stage, is reminiscent of those depicted by Degas or Lautrec.
News & Media
Partly, Hajari says, that may be because of how the events were depicted by British sources.
News & Media
The stochastic uncertainties in state and output matrices are depicted by white multiplicative noises.
Science
The Christmas Truce in 1914, during World War I, as depicted by the Illustrated London News.
News & Media
Each data point for each monkey is depicted by a distinct shape.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "depicted by", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the depicting (e.g., an artist, a graph, a model) and what is being depicted.
Common error
Avoid using "depicted by" in overly passive constructions that obscure the agent of depiction. For example, instead of saying "The scene was depicted by shadows", specify "Shadows depicted the scene" for greater clarity.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "depicted by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause to indicate how something is represented or portrayed. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
34%
Academia
14%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
2%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "depicted by" is a prepositional phrase widely used to indicate how something is represented or portrayed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent occurrence across a variety of contexts, including science, news media, and academia. When using this phrase, it's crucial to maintain clarity by specifying both the subject being depicted and the means of depiction. While generally neutral in register, avoiding overly passive constructions enhances the strength and precision of your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
portrayed by
This alternative emphasizes the act of representing someone or something in a work of art or literature, carrying a slightly more artistic connotation than "depicted by".
illustrated by
This alternative highlights the use of examples or visuals to clarify or demonstrate a concept, suggesting a more explanatory function than simply "depicted by".
represented by
This alternative suggests a symbolic or abstract connection, where something stands in for something else, which might not always be the case with "depicted by".
shown through
This alternative focuses on how something is revealed or made visible via a particular medium or method.
expressed through
This alternative emphasizes the means by which an idea, feeling, or fact is conveyed, highlighting the channel of communication.
characterized by
This alternative focuses on the distinctive features or qualities of something rather than its visual representation.
symbolized by
This alternative indicates that something serves as a symbol or emblem for something else, often with deeper cultural or metaphorical meaning.
mirrored in
This alternative emphasizes how something is reflected or shown indirectly through something else.
reflected in
This focuses on showing something via a mirrored surface or indirect manner.
manifested in
This alternative highlights how something abstract becomes concrete or apparent in a specific form or instance.
FAQs
How can I use "depicted by" in a sentence?
Use "depicted by" to describe how something is visually represented or portrayed. For example, "The hero's journey is "illustrated by" a series of trials and tribulations."
What are some alternatives to "depicted by"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "portrayed by", "illustrated by", or "represented by".
What is the difference between "depicted by" and "described by"?
"Depicted by" refers to a visual representation, while "described by" refers to a verbal or written account. A painting might be "depicted by" an artist, while a scientific phenomenon is "described by" a researcher.
Is it better to use "depicted by" or "shown by" in scientific writing?
Both are acceptable, but "depicted by" often implies a deliberate representation, whereas "shown by" suggests something is revealed or demonstrated. Using "shown by" might be more appropriate when presenting empirical data.
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.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested