drawn to scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drawn to scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving diagrams, maps, or technical drawings to indicate that the representation is proportionate to the actual dimensions of the object or area. Example: "The architectural plans were drawn to scale, allowing us to accurately visualize the layout of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not drawn to scale.

Stanford University

Some figures are not drawn to scale.

The New York Times

Figure is not drawn to scale.

Harvard University

Loci are not drawn to scale.

Nature

Actin polymers and spectrin heterotetramers are not drawn to scale.

Nature

The part sizes shown in the figure are for illustration only and not drawn to scale.

Nature

The illustrated maps are creative representations and not drawn to scale.

The New York Times

(B) Schematic representation of the domain architecture of each S. mediterranea EGFR, drawn to scale.

Nature

Mr. Munisteri went in for more dazzle, though he too kept things drawn to scale.

The New York Times - Arts

Bird's eye view (not drawn to scale) of Edinburgh drawn by H. W. Brewer and engraved by T. Griffiths.

Yale University

They are so accurately sized against their ill-gotten possessions that they might have been drawn to scale.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drawn to scale" in technical documentation, ensure that the specific scaling ratio is clearly indicated for unambiguous interpretation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that elements in a diagram labeled "not drawn to scale" are completely arbitrary. While proportions may be distorted, spatial relationships are usually maintained for clarity. Acknowledge that the diagram's intention is for conceptual understanding rather than precise measurement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawn to scale" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (e.g., diagram, map, plan). It indicates that the representation adheres to a specific proportion, accurately reflecting the relative sizes and distances of the elements depicted. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drawn to scale" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to denote that a diagram, map, or other visual representation accurately reflects the proportions of the real-world objects or features it depicts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English. Its usage is particularly prevalent in scientific and academic contexts, though also found in news and media. When using "drawn to scale", ensure clarity by specifying the scale ratio and avoid misinterpreting diagrams explicitly labeled as "not drawn to scale". Alternatives like "true to scale" and "scaled accurately" offer similar meanings, providing flexibility in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to scale

Shortened version of the original phrase. Slightly less formal.

true to scale

A more concise and common idiom conveying the same meaning.

accurately scaled

Focuses on the accuracy as the key attribute of the scaling.

scaled accurately

Emphasizes the accuracy of the scaling, rather than the act of drawing.

scaled proportionally

Highlights the proportional relationship between the representation and the real object.

represented proportionally

Changes the verb to emphasize the act of representation.

proportionate representation

Replaces the verb-focused structure with a noun phrase emphasizing the result of the drawing.

correctly proportioned

Emphasizes the correctness of the proportions in the representation.

precise scaling

Highlights the precision involved in the scaling process.

dimensional accuracy

Focuses on the measurable aspect of accuracy in dimensions.

FAQs

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

It means that the sizes and distances in the diagram are not proportional to their actual real-world dimensions. The diagram is meant to illustrate relationships and concepts, not provide accurate measurements.

When is it important for a diagram to be "drawn to scale"?

It's crucial in fields like architecture, engineering, and cartography, where accurate measurements and proportions are essential for planning, construction, and navigation.

What can I say instead of "drawn to scale"?

You can use alternatives like "true to scale", "scaled accurately", or "proportionate representation" depending on the context.

What is the significance of specifying that something is "drawn to scale"?

It indicates that the representation accurately reflects the relative sizes and distances of the objects or features being depicted. This allows for measurements and comparisons to be made directly from the drawing.