frame

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “frame” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean “to create a mental framework or structure within which to regard an issue or situation” or as a noun to mean “an outer border or structure for a window or a picture.” For example: “He framed his argument within the context of current events.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although there was disappointment that neither Mike Leigh's much-fancied Topsy-Turvy, Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr Ripley, nor Neil Jordan's The End of the Affair made it into the frame for best picture, the Brits did well overall.

The Guardian - Film

Provided GNM has received your notice of cancellation within this time frame (and acknowledged your notice), GNM will refund any fees received from you less the deposit where applicable.

The Guardian

If there is one thing that has occasionally held her back, it has been her movement, with her tall frame not always easy to manoeuvre quickly enough.

The Guardian - Sport

He also took up embroidery on pudding cloths and lengths of deckchair canvas, using the skeleton of an old deckchair as an embroidery frame.

The Guardian - Arts

With a 59% drop from the previous frame, Age of Ultron fell harder than any other film in the top 10, and does not look set for a similarly powerful run, probably falling shy of £50m lifetime.

The Guardian - Film

Whether they can be in this time frame remains to be seen".

The Guardian

It took Board Intelligence over a year to get its first client; a time frame that would have left many entrepreneurs ready to give up.

The Guardian

The consortium, led by the former Rangers director Paul Murray, has been in the frame to buy the club since it entered administration in February.

The Guardian - Sport

Her small, frail frame and severe difficulties breathing have brought her to a rehabilitation clinic several miles from where her mother and five siblings live in the Mayan village of Quajarwalten.

The Guardian

The lobbying push underlines the sensitivity surrounding Pope Francis's highly anticipated encyclical on the environment, whose aim will be to frame the climate change issue as a moral imperative.

The Guardian

I reckoned we couldn't recruit and train a medical team in the time frame.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frame" as a verb, ensure the context clarifies whether you mean to construct, enclose, or falsely incriminate.

Common error

Avoid using "frame" when you actually mean "framework". "Frame" typically refers to a physical border or the act of falsely accusing someone, while "framework" signifies a conceptual structure or system.

Linguistic Context

The word "frame" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a structure or border. As a verb, it means to construct, enclose, or, in some contexts, falsely incriminate. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Film

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "frame" is versatile, functioning as both a noun and a verb with varied meanings, from a physical border to a conceptual structure. According to Ludwig AI, "frame" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is important to consider the context to understand the intended meaning, whether it's related to construction, enclosure, or a more negative connotation like falsely incriminating someone. Its frequent appearance in News & Media sources suggests its widespread use in describing events and situations. Using related words like "framework" or "structure" can provide more clarity in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

framework

Highlights a conceptual or supporting system.

contextualize

Implies placing something within a relevant background.

formulate

Emphasizes the careful creation or expression of something.

structure

Emphasizes the underlying organization or arrangement.

border

Focuses on the edge or boundary, typically physical.

outline

Highlights the basic structure or plan.

compose

Focuses on the arrangement or creation of something.

encase

Implies surrounding or enclosing something.

set up

Highlights the act of arranging or preparing something, especially for a specific purpose.

mount

Suggests fixing or displaying something.

FAQs

How to use "frame" in a sentence?

You can use "frame" as a noun to refer to the border around a picture, or as a verb to mean to enclose something within a border, or to falsely accuse someone of a crime. For instance, "The painting was in a beautiful frame" or "They tried to frame him for the robbery".

What can I say instead of "frame"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "border", "structure", or "framework".

Which is correct, "frame" or "framework"?

The choice between "frame" and "framework" depends on the intended meaning. "Frame" refers to a physical border or the act of falsely accusing someone, whereas "framework" signifies a conceptual structure.

What's the difference between "frame" and "framing"?

"Frame" is a noun or verb, referring to a border or the act of enclosing/falsely accusing. "Framing" is the gerund or present participle of "frame", often used to describe the process or technique of creating a frame or presenting an issue in a certain way.