is portrayed

USAGE SUMMARY

"is portrayed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a form of the verb to portray, which means "to express or present an idea or impression of something." For example: "In the movie, the hero is portrayed as a courageous defender of justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jack is portrayed with dignity, however.

The New York Times - Arts

The relationship is portrayed as unidirectional.

The New York Times - Books

The way a disease is portrayed matters.

Independent

Natalie is portrayed in similarly arbitrary terms.

The New York Times - Books

Too often, Bayonne is portrayed negatively.

The New York Times

Music-making is portrayed as worthwhile.

The Guardian - Music

The character is portrayed as heroic.

The New York Times

Bennett is portrayed as an innocent dreamer.

The New York Times

Douglas's story is portrayed as almost Dickensian.

The Guardian - Books

No art work is portrayed directly.

The Guardian - Arts

And he is portrayed, ultimately, as faithful and just.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is portrayed" when you want to describe how someone or something is depicted or represented in a particular context, such as a film, book, or news article. It is particularly useful when you want to maintain objectivity and avoid making a subjective judgment.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive construction of "is portrayed" is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The movie portrays him as a hero", use "He is portrayed as a hero in the movie" to emphasize the depiction rather than the act of portraying.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is portrayed" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating how a subject is depicted or represented. Ludwig shows numerous examples where characters, situations, or ideas are presented in a particular light. The passive voice emphasizes the subject being portrayed rather than the agent doing the portraying.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

23%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is portrayed" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase that describes how someone or something is depicted or represented. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. It serves to inform the audience about a specific depiction objectively. When writing, it's best practice to use this when the emphasis is on the subject being represented and to avoid confusing it with active voice constructions. Using alternatives such as "is depicted" or "is represented" can offer subtle nuances in meaning. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "is portrayed" to convey precise and objective descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is depicted

Replaces "portrayed" with "depicted", emphasizing visual representation or description.

is represented

Uses "represented" instead of "portrayed", highlighting how something is shown or presented.

is characterized

Substitutes "portrayed" with "characterized", focusing on the qualities or traits attributed to someone or something.

is presented

Replaces "portrayed" with "presented", emphasizing the act of showing or offering something.

is shown

Uses "shown" instead of "portrayed", focusing on the act of revealing or displaying something.

is illustrated

Substitutes "portrayed" with "illustrated", suggesting a detailed or vivid depiction.

is described

Replaces "portrayed" with "described", highlighting the use of words to convey an image or impression.

is painted as

Uses "painted as" to convey the idea of a particular image or impression being created.

is styled as

Suggests a deliberate choice in how something is presented, often with a specific intent.

is fashioned as

Similar to "styled as", emphasizing the creation of a specific image or appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "is portrayed" in a sentence?

You can use "is portrayed" to describe how someone or something is depicted or represented. For example, "In the film, the main character "is portrayed" as a complex and flawed individual".

What are some alternatives to saying "is portrayed"?

Alternatives include "is depicted", "is represented", "is characterized", or "is presented", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "portray"?

It depends on the context. Use active voice when you want to emphasize the actor (e.g., "The author portrays the character"). Use passive voice ("is portrayed") when you want to emphasize the subject being depicted, or when the actor is unknown or less important.

What does it mean when someone "is portrayed" in a certain way?

It means that they are being depicted or represented in a particular manner, which may or may not be an accurate reflection of reality. The depiction is someone's interpretation or presentation of the subject. For example: The situation "is described" like this.