do a portrait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do a portrait" is not commonly used in standard written English.
It can be used informally to refer to the act of creating a portrait, but it may sound awkward to some readers. Example: "I decided to do a portrait of my dog for the art competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I wanted to do a portrait film with extended takes.

The New York Times

Halicka to do a portrait of her French poodle Noel.

The New Yorker

"The question is: Why do a portrait?" he asked.

The New York Times

"I said, 'I'd love to do a portrait of you,' " she recalled.

The New York Times

"They wanted to come over and do a portrait photo of me with my firearms," Mr. Keller said.

The New York Times

If you do a portrait of someone, then we have agreed there is this acceptance and complicity and cooperation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

She has never done a portrait of a human.

The New Yorker

I was there doing a portrait of his life".

The New York Times - Arts

"I say to models, 'I'm not doing a portrait of you.

Independent

A self-portrait from 1967 emulates Bronzino, as does a portrait of the collector Roy Neuberger (1965).

The New York Times - Arts

In Aug. he went to Italy to stay with Marino Marini while the sculptor did a portrait of him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do a portrait", consider the context. If you want to emphasize the artistic medium, use more specific verbs like "paint", "draw", or "photograph."

Common error

While acceptable, "do a portrait" can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "create a portrait", "execute a portrait" or "render a portrait."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do a portrait" functions as a verb phrase, where "do" acts as a verb indicating the action of creating, and "a portrait" is a noun phrase representing the object being created. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, as a request, an offer, or a commission.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do a portrait" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression indicating the act of creating a portrait. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional or academic settings. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, expressing the intention or action of creating a visual representation. Although Ludwig AI considers the phrase acceptable, it's crucial to consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate wording. Be mindful about choosing a specific verb like "paint", "draw", or "photograph" for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a portrait

Emphasizes the act of artistic creation.

paint a portrait

Specifies the medium as painting.

draw a portrait

Specifies the medium as drawing.

sketch a portrait

Suggests a quick, less detailed portrait.

photograph a portrait

Specifies the medium as photography.

commission a portrait

Highlights the act of hiring an artist.

execute a portrait

More formal term for creating a portrait.

undertake a portrait

Implies starting a portrait project.

produce a portrait

Focuses on the final product of the portrait.

render a portrait

Highlights the artistic rendering of the subject.

FAQs

What does "do a portrait" mean?

The phrase "do a portrait" means to create a visual representation of a person or subject, typically through painting, drawing, or photography. It implies the act of making a portrait.

What can I say instead of "do a portrait"?

You can use alternatives like "create a portrait", "paint a portrait", or "draw a portrait" depending on the context and medium.

Is it correct to say "do a portrait of"?

Yes, it is correct to say "do a portrait of" followed by the subject of the portrait. For example, "I want to do a portrait of my grandmother."

What is the difference between "do a portrait" and "commission a portrait"?

"Do a portrait" refers to the act of creating the portrait yourself, while "commission a portrait" means hiring someone else to create it for you.