explain the picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain the picture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide a description or interpretation of an image or visual content. Example: "Can you explain the picture I sent you? I'm curious about what you think it represents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hence, in his notebooks, the drawing does not illustrate the text; rather, the text serves to explain the picture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While he never did explain the picture, it appears to have been taken during a 2011 vacation with his fiance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His illness may explain the pictures of what appear to be convalescing soldiers toward the end of the album.

The New York Times - Arts

Khan explains the picture in a blogpost for the European Space Agency.

The Guardian

To prevent further damage, he explained, "the picture was left flat on its back and taken to a restorer in Paris who removed the over-painting".

The New York Times - Arts

He explains the picture as it was meant to be interpreted, and how the moral of it is almost diametrically opposite to what they deduced in their article.

The New Yorker

As Leibovitz explains: "The picture of Helen Mirren and Judi Dench in the car" — part of a fictional, film-noir photo essay for Vanity Fair — "was made in two different places".

The New York Times - Books

Along with the photo came the relaxed, melodious voice of Dave Stewart explaining the picture.

Huffington Post

Reddit user Dtooth0 posted the above photo on the site's "WTF" thread Tuesday morning, with a caption explaining the picture was of a third-grade lesson on gravity.

Huffington Post

They will be docents at their own exhibition, explaining the pictures and the project to visitors.

The New York Times

Write a brief artist's statement explaining the pictures you chose to include and how they illustrate the city of your choice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "explain the picture", be specific about what aspects you're interested in, such as the historical context, artistic technique, or emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions when trying to "explain the picture". Consider multiple perspectives and be open to different interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the picture" functions as a request for clarification or interpretation. It prompts someone to provide details, context, or meaning related to a visual representation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain the picture" is a grammatically sound and usable request for clarification or interpretation of an image. While relatively uncommon, Ludwig's analysis shows it is correctly used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and media. Alternatives such as "interpret the image" or "describe the photo" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide context or specify the aspects of the picture you'd like clarified. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is valid and its meaning is well-understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpret the image

Focuses on deriving meaning or significance from the visual representation.

describe the photo

Emphasizes a detailed account of the visual elements present.

analyze the photograph

Implies a more in-depth examination of the picture's components and their relationship.

give context to the visuals

Focuses on providing background information that sheds light on the picture.

elucidate the scene

Suggests clarifying a complex or unclear visual representation.

decode the imagery

Implies uncovering hidden meanings or symbolism within the picture.

break down the illustration

Suggests analyzing the different components of the visual.

offer insights on the graphic

Emphasizes providing a deeper understanding of the image.

clarify the depiction

Focuses on making the representation easier to understand.

unravel the snapshot

Suggests revealing the story or significance behind the picture.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain the picture" when asking someone to provide a description or interpretation of an image. For example: "Can you explain the picture I sent you? I'm curious about what you think it represents."

What are some alternatives to "explain the picture"?

You can use alternatives like "interpret the image", "describe the photo", or "analyze the photograph" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "explain the picture" or "interpret the picture"?

Both "explain the picture" and "interpret the picture" are correct, but "interpret" implies a deeper analysis or understanding of the image's meaning.

What's the difference between describing a picture and explaining it?

Describing a picture involves giving a detailed account of its visual elements, while explaining it involves providing context, meaning, or interpretation.