diagram not to scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diagram not to scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that the proportions or dimensions in a diagram do not accurately represent the actual measurements or scale of the objects depicted. Example: "In the textbook, the diagram not to scale illustrates the relationship between the planets in our solar system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Diagram not to scale (adapted from [14, 15]).

Heritage Science

Figure 1: Schematic diagram (not to scale) of a super-eruption event with an initial (left) sustained Plinian phase followed by a column-collapse and large pyroclastic density currents eventually leading to co-ignimbrite plumes offset from the vent (right).

Nature

(A ) Cartoon diagram (not to scale) of the foraging challenge: cells navigating a 3-D time-varying gradient created by diffusion of a small spherical drop of nutrient 100 µm in diameter with diffusion coefficient of 550 µm/s and methyl-aspartate concentration of 100 mM.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Diagram is not to scale.

The Washington Post

Explain that typical solar system diagrams are often not to scale or they scale the distances between planets and their sizes independently.

The New York Times

Diagram and inset are not to scale.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The bar graphs shown for FM1 are the same data as the dot plots in panel A. The distances between the lesions and the cis 3′ end of the reporter are given the diagrams of the episomes are not to scale.

eLife

From the lab of Area 2 Prof. Joel Schindall: (upper image) diagram of Nanotube-Enhanced Ultracapacitor Configuration (not to scale - nanotubes are much longer than shown).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Image not to scale.

Harvard University

Arrow lengths not to scale.

Nature

Images not to scale.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When including a diagram in a document, always state clearly if the diagram is "diagram not to scale" to avoid misinterpretations of the depicted proportions or sizes. This is especially important in technical and scientific contexts where precise measurements are crucial.

Common error

Failing to mention that a diagram is "diagram not to scale" can mislead readers into assuming accurate proportions, leading to incorrect conclusions or flawed analyses. Always clarify the scale status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diagram not to scale" functions as a disclaimer or clarification. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature, indicating that the visual representation is not intended for accurate measurements or proportional comparisons. It modifies the noun "diagram", providing essential context for its interpretation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diagram not to scale" is a crucial disclaimer used to indicate that a visual representation's proportions or dimensions are not accurate. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across scientific, news, and academic sources. The primary function is to prevent misinterpretation, ensuring readers understand the illustrative rather than precise nature of the diagram. For alternative expressions, you could use "not drawn to proportion" or "for illustrative purposes only". Always clarify scale status to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not drawn to proportion

Emphasizes the lack of accurate proportional representation in a drawing.

schematic and not to scale

Highlights that the representation is a simplified schematic, not an accurate depiction.

illustration is not to scale

Specifies that the illustration lacks accurate scaling.

representation not to scale

Indicates the representation is not proportionally accurate.

sizes not to scale

Specifically points out that sizes are not accurately represented.

image is not to scale

Highlights that the image provided is not proportionally accurate.

not to true scale

Emphasizes that the depiction deviates from accurate scaling.

not to exact scale

Indicates that it is not an accurate proportional depiction.

for illustrative purposes only

Suggests the visual aid is primarily for demonstration, not precise measurement.

approximate representation

Indicates that the representation is an estimation.

FAQs

When is it important to specify that a “diagram not to scale”?

It's crucial to specify that a “diagram not to scale” when precise measurements or proportions are not accurately represented. This is especially important in scientific, technical, or educational materials where accuracy is paramount to avoid misinterpretations.

What does it mean when a diagram is labeled "diagram not to scale"?

When a diagram is labeled "diagram not to scale", it means that the sizes, distances, or proportions depicted in the diagram are not accurate representations of the actual real-world values. The diagram is intended for illustrative purposes only, not for precise measurement or comparison.

Are there alternative ways to say "diagram not to scale"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "not drawn to proportion", "representation not to scale", or "for illustrative purposes only" depending on the context.

What happens if you don't indicate that a diagram is "diagram not to scale"?

If you don't indicate that a diagram is "diagram not to scale", readers may incorrectly assume that the depicted sizes, distances, or proportions are accurate. This can lead to misunderstandings, errors in calculations, or flawed analyses, especially in fields that rely on precise measurements.