frames

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "frames" is correct in written English.
You can use it to refer to the structure which holds a window (e.g. "The window frames were made of wood"). You can also use it to refer to the outline or shape which contains a picture (e.g. "The paintings were framed in gilded frames"). You can also use it to refer to something which people think of as a fixed limit or boundary (e.g. "He was determined to push the boundaries of what was acceptable, challenging all accepted frames of understanding").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Film

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Family photo frames, ornaments and toys; whatever she can get her hands on and will get some money quickly.

The Guardian

A glowing green disc hovers high in the sky at night, casting an eerie glow over a forest of minarets, cranes and concrete frames that seem to stretch endlessly into the dusty distance, like a vast field of dominoes.

The Guardian - Arts

In desperation he started shooting a few frames of a horse that happened to be passing.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a 700ft ballet of precisely considered mechanisms, where even the counterweights, set within coloured frames, resemble works of art.

The Guardian - Arts

Maybe throw in some cast biographies, segregated in frames.

The Guardian - Film

In 1972, two frames showed signs of a spearheaded object.

The Guardian

He's up to his old tricks of facades-that-don't-quite-fit again, recalling the games he played with some of the early houses in California, with overshooting structural frames – in the days before he got carried away with the computer modelling software.

The Guardian - Arts

With the familiar movements I had so often witnessed, she lifted the camera and exposed three frames (two less than my countryman, Samuel Beckett, and possibly with the same camera!) and it was over.

The Guardian - Arts

But Durden's career highlight is his stint as a projectionist, inserting frames of pornography lasting just one-twenty-fourth of a second into family movies.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lily can shoot 1080p HD video at 60 frames-per-second or 720p video at 120 frames-per-second for slow-motion action, as well as 12-megapixel still photographs.

The Guardian - Tech

Until now, however, the time-frames of such seismological forecasts have tended to be measured in decades, rather than hours.The technique employed to generate California's daily earthquake forecast is the work of a group of researchers led by Matthew Gerstenberger, a seismologist at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) campus in Pasadena, and published in this week's Nature.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a series of events or moments, carefully consider whether "periods", "stages", or "phases" might offer more precision and nuance than "frames".

Common error

While "frames" can work metaphorically, overuse can weaken your writing. Be mindful of when a more precise term like "perspective", "context", or "lens" might better convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "frames" is as a noun, often plural, referring to the structural borders around images or windows. Ludwig confirms that it can also function as the third-person singular present tense of the verb "frame".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Arts

20%

Film

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Tech

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frames" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun, commonly referring to borders, structures, or individual images in a sequence. Ludwig confirms its correctness and varied usage. While its usage spans different contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media, Arts, and Film. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse in metaphorical contexts and consider more precise terms like "time periods" or "structural supports" for nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral register, appearing frequently in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frameworks

Similar to "frames" but often implies a more abstract or conceptual structure.

outlines

Highlights the act of defining the edge or shape of something, abstracting the physical structure.

structural supports

Focuses on the physical aspect of providing support, shifting away from the broader concept of encompassing or outlining.

picture borders

Emphasizes the decorative edge around a picture, rather than the structural support.

window casings

Specifically refers to the surrounding structure of a window, limiting the general application of "frames".

film stills

Emphasizes individual images extracted from a moving picture, narrowing the focus from the broader concept of sequence.

time periods

Refers to specific durations or segments of time, rather than physical structures or mental constructs.

viewpoints

Highlights the perspective or position from which something is observed or considered, abstracting the physical containment.

mental models

Refers to cognitive frameworks used to understand the world, shifting the meaning from physical structures to abstract concepts.

erects

Refers to the act of constructing or raising something, rather than the finished structure itself.

FAQs

How can I use "frames" in a sentence?

You can use "frames" to refer to the borders around pictures, as in "The painting had ornate "picture frames"". It can also refer to individual images in a film or video.

What's the difference between "frames" and "frameworks"?

"Frames" often refer to physical borders or individual units within a sequence. "Frameworks", on the other hand, usually denote more abstract, underlying structures or systems.

What are some synonyms for "frames" when discussing film or animation?

Depending on the context, you might use synonyms such as "stills", "shots", or "scenes" instead of "frames". Consider "film stills" to emphasize individual images.

When is it appropriate to use "frames" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "frames" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the way something is presented or understood, similar to how a physical frame surrounds and defines a picture. However, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact.