drawing not to scale

USAGE SUMMARY

"drawing not to scale" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that a drawing or diagram is not an accurate, proportional representation of something in the real world. For example: "The map of the city was a drawing not to scale, so it was not very helpful in navigating."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Open image in new window Fig. 7 A schematic drawing (not to scale) of the overall preparation of the LFP/graphene composite through an in situ growing of graphene on the LFP reaction [31] Open image in new window Fig. 8 a Rate performance of the LFP@Active Carbon (AC) and LFP@graphene electrodes.

Nano-Micro Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most railroad maps are essentially graphic itineraries, indicating where you get on and off, drawn not to scale but, rather, to the self-aggrandizing proportions of the rail line in question.

The New Yorker

The amplitude of vibration is drawn not to scale.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Figure 1a shows a simple sketch for the setup (drawn not to scale).

Nanoscale Research Letters

It is okay if the Autocad drawing is not to scale, as long as you know at least one length.

WikiHow

Import or go to the Autocad drawing that is not to scale.

WikiHow

iPhones not to scale.

TechCrunch

Images not to scale.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Based on the range of transcriptional overlap, loop movements will in most cases not exceed 500 bp and are not drawn to scale.

eLife

Some figures are not drawn to scale.

The New York Times

Picture not drawn to scale.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always explicitly state "drawing not to scale" to avoid any misunderstandings about the accuracy of proportions in technical documentation or visual aids.

Common error

Failing to label a diagram or illustration as "drawing not to scale" can lead to misinterpretations of size and distance, especially in technical contexts where precision is important. Always clarify the scale to prevent errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawing not to scale" functions as a disclaimer or clarification, indicating that a visual representation is not proportionally accurate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and commonly understood phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drawing not to scale" is a grammatically correct and clear indication that a visual representation is not proportionally accurate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples show its broad use. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. When using diagrams in technical or general contexts, it is crucial to use this phrase to prevent any misinterpretations of the image's accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diagram not to proportion

Emphasizes the lack of proportional accuracy in a diagram.

schematic without scale

Highlights that the schematic representation lacks dimensional accuracy.

illustration not accurately sized

Focuses on the inaccuracy of sizes within the illustration.

figure not to true dimensions

Specifies that the figure's dimensions are not realistically represented.

representation lacking scale

Indicates the representation does not adhere to proper scaling.

image not proportionally correct

Highlights the absence of proportional correctness in the image.

sketch without accurate proportions

Emphasizes the lack of accurate proportions in the sketch.

outline not to consistent scale

Suggests the outline's scale is not consistent throughout.

visual aid not dimensionally precise

Highlights that the visual aid isn't dimensionally precise.

graphic not reflecting actual size

Indicates the graphic does not reflect real-world sizes.

FAQs

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

It means the sizes and distances in the drawing are not proportional to the real-life object or area it represents. Do not use it for precise measurements.

When should I indicate that a drawing is "drawing not to scale"?

Always indicate when a drawing is "drawing not to scale" if the proportions or sizes are not accurate. This is especially important in technical diagrams, maps, and schematics where measurements might be misinterpreted.

What are some alternatives to saying "drawing not to scale"?

Alternatives include phrases like "diagram not to proportion", "schematic without scale", or "figure not to true dimensions", depending on the context.

How does "drawing not to scale" affect how I should interpret a visual?

If a drawing is labeled "drawing not to scale", you should focus on understanding the relationships between elements rather than relying on the visual for precise measurements or comparisons of size.