image

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "image" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a physical representation (such as a painting, photograph, or drawing) of something, or as a verb to mean "to form a mental picture of." Example sentence: I held my phone up to the painting and took an image of it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Powell said: "When we saw Ahmed's image it had an instant Floydian resonance.

The Guardian - Music

And it's hard to think of a scandal that's more discordant with an image of focus and discipline than this one.

The Economist

Scandals that aren't out of tune with a celebrity's image are often surprisingly easy to bounce back from: after images of Kate Moss snorting coke surfaced, her bookings fell, but, over time, they went up.

The Economist

But scandals that conflict with a person's public image can wreak havoc.

The Economist

Revelations that Michael Jordan had lost hundreds of thousands of dollars gambling barely dented his appeal, since the story reinforced the image of him as a fierce competitor.

The Economist

Where an individual whose image is featured in a Competition entry is aged less than 18 years the entrant confirms that the parent or guardian of that individual has given the relevant consent.

The Guardian

4. To enter the Competition you must submit your entry to the relevant Guardian Witness assignment, providing an email address by which the photographer of the image can be contacted.

The Guardian

The issue came to light when the estate took a number of photo libraries to court in the middle of the last decade for selling her image on without permission.

The Guardian - Film

Or maybe it's because she's been stuck with Brannan, so all the viewers will subconsciously equate the image of her with the image of Gerard Butler's corpse.

The Guardian - Film

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has used the many attacks on him – not least from the European commission – to justify what critics correctly see as a comprehensive attempt to undermine checks and balances, and remake the entire country in the image of one political party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, use "image" to refer to a file containing all the data for a complete system, such as a disk image.

Common error

Avoid using "imagery" when you mean a single visual representation. "Imagery" refers to a collection of images or figurative language, while "image" refers to a single picture or representation.

Linguistic Context

The word "image" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a visual representation or a mental picture. As Ludwig indicates, it also functions as a verb meaning to create a complete backup copy or to represent something symbolically. The examples show its use in various contexts, reflecting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "image" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe visual or mental representations, and can also function as a verb. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its frequent use in news media, business, and scientific domains, coupled with authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, underscores its importance in effective communication. Remember to distinguish "image" from "imagery" and leverage its nuanced meanings to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likeness

Refers to the visual appearance or representation of someone or something, focusing on similarity.

representation

Highlights the act of portraying or symbolizing something, whether visually or conceptually.

depiction

Emphasizes the manner of portrayal, often suggesting artistic or descriptive detail.

portrayal

Similar to depiction, but often used in the context of how someone or something is presented to the public.

reflection

Suggests a mirrored or analogous representation, either physical or metaphorical.

visualization

Focuses on the mental creation of a visual representation.

impression

Indicates a subjective or sensory representation of something.

concept

Refers to an abstract idea or mental representation.

perception

Emphasizes how something is understood or interpreted based on sensory input.

appearance

Focuses on the outward presentation or semblance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "image" in a sentence?

You can use "image" to refer to a visual representation, such as "The photograph showed a clear image of the mountain." It can also refer to a mental picture, like "He had a vivid image of the beach in his mind."

What's the difference between "image" and "picture"?

"Image" is a broader term that can refer to any representation, while "picture" typically refers to a visual representation, often a photograph or drawing. For example, a brand can cultivate an "appearance", but a child draws a picture.

What are some synonyms for "image" in a marketing context?

In marketing, synonyms for "image" include "brand identity", "public "perception"", or "corporate "likeness"". These terms emphasize how a company is perceived by its target audience.

When is it appropriate to use "image" as a verb?

"Image" is used as a verb to describe the act of forming a mental picture or creating a digital copy. For instance, doctors might "image" a patient's brain, or IT professionals might "image" a hard drive for backup.