enter the picture

USAGE SUMMARY

"enter the picture" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to become involved in a situation or to be included in a group or activity. Example: After years of staying out of politics, the popular actor decided to enter the picture and run for mayor of the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Other teams could enter the picture.

The New York Times - Sports

Does fear ever enter the picture?

The New Yorker

Which is where foundations enter the picture.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Olympics don't even enter the picture.

The Guardian - Sport

Amazingly, cynicism doesn't usually enter the picture.

The New York Times - Arts

Words occasionally enter the picture, as in "Lay Down Down".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Infants enter the pictures, then small children.

The New Yorker

Disparity never enters the picture".

The New York Times

But safety enters the picture, too.

The New York Times

But roasting never entered the picture.

The New York Times - Food

Upstarts are entering the picture as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enter the picture" to indicate when a previously absent element becomes relevant or influential in a situation. For example: 'Once new evidence entered the picture, the investigation took a different turn.'

Common error

Avoid using "enter the picture" in a passive voice construction. It's better to say 'The facts entered the picture' rather than 'The picture was entered by the facts'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enter the picture" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. It signifies the point at which something or someone becomes relevant, involved, or influential in a particular situation, scenario, or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enter the picture" is a versatile phrase used to describe the moment something becomes relevant or involved in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It functions as an idiomatic verb phrase and is typically employed in neutral contexts such as news reporting and academic analysis. While alternatives like "become involved" or "come into play" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired emphasis. Remembering to use it in active voice and understanding its communicative purpose will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become involved

This alternative suggests a more active participation in the situation.

come into play

This phrase highlights the moment when something starts to influence a situation.

get in on the act

This alternative implies joining an activity that is already in progress, often for personal gain.

join the fray

This suggests entering a conflict or competition.

get into the mix

This implies becoming part of a group or situation, often adding complexity.

become a factor

This highlights the influence something has on the outcome.

play a role

This emphasizes the importance and impact of the involvement.

step into the limelight

This suggests gaining attention or prominence.

make an appearance

This implies a more passive or formal entry into a situation.

join the ranks

This suggests becoming part of a larger group or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "enter the picture" in a sentence?

Use "enter the picture" to describe when something or someone becomes involved or relevant in a situation. For example: 'When economic factors "came into play", the project's feasibility changed dramatically'.

What are some alternatives to "enter the picture"?

You can use alternatives like "become involved", "come into play", or "become a factor" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "entered into the picture" instead of "enter the picture"?

"Entered into the picture" is less common. "Enter the picture" generally means becoming involved or relevant, while "entered into" often implies a formal agreement or discussion. Consider the context carefully.

What's the difference between "enter the picture" and "come into the equation"?

While both phrases suggest relevance, "enter the picture" often refers to elements becoming involved in a broader situation, while "come into the equation" specifically implies that something is now being considered in a calculation or decision-making process.