depicts

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "depicts" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb, and it is defined as "to represent (something) in a picture, story, or play; to portray something or someone in words or pictures." For example, "The artist's painting depicts a scene from the Battle of Hastings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The Giver depicts a society where the government has grown well beyond an anti-state," reveals the budding critic.

The Guardian - Film

So much of the final two episodes depicts quite graphically what the thick of battle is like.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Terrah Guymala and I stop in front of a painting that depicts, from a chicken's perspective, a cook coming towards it with a cleaver.

The Guardian

In another of the series she depicts a void in the mother's abdomen, where the infant had been.

The Guardian - Arts

The Columbia University graduate who carried a dorm room mattress on campus for months in protest at the school's refusal to expel the man she accused of raping her, released a performance art piece that depicts a sexual encounter she warns "may resemble rape".

The Guardian

One painting depicts with extraordinary accuracy (given the image was perhaps held in memory for months before being painted) what appears to be a.50 calibre Spencer carbine of the type carried by Cadell's party, complete with seven cartridges.

The Guardian

The film humorously depicts the developing relationship between apparent opposites who somehow overcome the obstacles between them.

The Guardian - Film

Turns out the Norfolk-based director, Guy Myhill, employed a couple of builder mates in his debut film, which depicts a rural poverty and a place – the fens – rarely seen on screen.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Proust's Remembrance of Things Past, the narrator depicts the "powerful joy" that a tea-soaked madeleine awakes in him when he is "dispirited after a dreary day, with the prospect of a depressing morrow".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This haunting picture graphically depicts a medieval murder.

The Guardian - Arts

Yemi Kale of the National Bureau of Statistics said: "While it [GDP] depicts how rich a nation is, this is not necessarily the same as showing how rich the individuals in the nation are, due to the problem of unequal distribution of wealth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depicts" when you want to convey that something is represented visually or through a narrative. Ensure the subject performs the action of showing or portraying.

Common error

Avoid using "depicts" when you simply mean 'says' or 'states'. "Depicts" implies a visual or descriptive representation, not just a verbal statement. For instance, instead of "The report depicts that sales are down", use "The report says that sales are down".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "depicts" is that of a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating what is being represented. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and used in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Film

10%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Books

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depicts" is a versatile and commonly used verb that signifies the representation of something visually or descriptively. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and proper usage in various contexts. As the examples show, it frequently appears in News & Media, film, and art contexts. While it's important to use it accurately, avoiding the common error of substituting it for simple 'says', its broad applicability makes it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. Considering alternatives like "portrays" or "illustrates" can enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portrays

Emphasizes the act of representing someone or something, often artistically or dramatically. It carries a slightly stronger connotation of interpretation or perspective.

illustrates

Highlights the use of examples or visual aids to clarify or explain something. Focuses on making something easier to understand.

represents

Indicates a broader connection or correspondence between something and its symbolic meaning or equivalent.

shows

Offers a simpler and more direct way of expressing the act of making something visible or evident.

describes

Focuses on providing a detailed account or explanation of something using words, rather than visual means.

presents

Highlights the act of formally introducing or displaying something to an audience.

outlines

Suggests giving a summary or the main features of something.

renders

Suggests a more artistic or technical interpretation or performance.

paints a picture of

Uses metaphorical language to suggest creating a vivid and detailed impression of something.

gives an account of

Focuses on providing a narrative or report of something, often emphasizing factual accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "depicts" in a sentence?

"Depicts" is used to show a representation of something, often visually or descriptively. For example, "The painting "depicts" a serene landscape", or "The novel "depicts" the struggles of a young artist".

What are some synonyms for "depicts"?

Alternatives for "depicts" include "portrays", "illustrates", "represents", and "shows". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "depicts about"?

No, it is not correct. "Depicts" does not require a preposition like "about". You would simply say "The film "depicts" the life of a musician", not "depicts about".

What's the difference between "depicts" and "describes"?

"Depicts" typically refers to a visual or representative portrayal, while "describes" focuses on providing a verbal account. A painting "depicts" a scene, whereas a narrator "describes" it.