make a picture about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a picture about" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when asking someone to create an image or illustration related to a specific topic or theme, but it is better to use more conventional phrasing. Example: "Can you make a picture about the importance of recycling for our presentation?"

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Nobody would make a picture about Sarkozy.

The Guardian - Film

You can't make a picture about human life without social content.

The New Yorker

This is Jones's first narrative film, and he explains in the press notes that his aim was to make a picture about his great-aunts, a feisty, close-knit group who dominated family gatherings.

The New York Times

But the one thing, the one word, that made me love Mal so much I could go insane – and so much I had to make a picture about it?

The Guardian - Books

Among the guests, who had paid at least a thousand dollars each, were many people who, if Scorsese ever chose to make a picture about Democratic fundraising receptions in Manhattan, would certainly be candidates for cameos: Bob Kerrey, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Leo Hindery, Jr., Patricia Duff (the Joe Pesci of the liberal money set).

The New Yorker

Works such as Mbedd-Burr (The Street Belongs to God) or Marsé Feug-Jaay (Used Clothing Market) are based on stories he composes or collects about Colobane: "I just go outside, I look, I take my notebook, I write a story, and I make a picture about the story," he says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The New Yorker, June 17 , 1939P. 13 Warner Brothers are now making a picture about Queen Elizabeth and Essex, called "The Queen and the Knight".

The New Yorker

By Sylvia Lyon and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, June 17 , 1939P. 13 Warner Brothers are now making a picture about Queen Elizabeth and Essex, called "The Queen and the Knight".

The New Yorker

With conspicuous severity, Ken Loach has made a picture about exploited Mexican immigrant workers cleaning offices in downtown Los Angeles in his first film in the United States.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm doing exactly whatever other reporters are doing but I'm making a picture about it.

Vice

And it's very difficult to make a picture in Hollywood about Hollywood.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing visual projects, consider using more common and precise alternatives like "create an illustration of" or "develop a visual representation of" instead of "make a picture about" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "make a picture about" in formal writing. This phrasing can sound informal or awkward. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives like "create an illustration of" or "develop a visual representation of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a picture about" functions as a directive or descriptive phrase indicating the creation of a visual representation related to a specific subject. Ludwig indicates that while not incorrect, it might be better to use more conventional phrasing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a picture about" is used to describe creating a visual representation of a specific subject. While understandable, Ludwig AI suggests that it is not the most conventional phrasing. More precise alternatives like "create an illustration of" or "develop a visual representation of" may be preferable, especially in formal contexts. The phrase is found in a variety of sources including news, academic and general content, with news and media being the most frequent. Although grammatically acceptable, the phrase's uncommon usage warrants careful consideration of context and audience to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create an image depicting

Replaces "make" with "create" and restructures the sentence to use "depicting" instead of "about".

develop a visual representation of

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "picture" with "visual representation" and "about" with "of".

produce an illustration concerning

Replaces "make a picture" with "produce an illustration" and "about" with "concerning".

design a graphic related to

Focuses on the design aspect and uses "related to" instead of "about".

construct a drawing that represents

Emphasizes the construction of the image and uses "that represents" instead of "about".

formulate a sketch illustrating

Uses "formulate" and "illustrating" for a more elaborate phrasing.

render a portrait focusing on

Specifies the type of picture as a "portrait" and uses "focusing on" instead of "about".

draft a diagram explaining

Uses "diagram" and focuses on the explanatory aspect of the image.

compose a collage reflecting

Suggests a more artistic approach with "collage" and uses "reflecting" instead of "about".

generate artwork concerning

Emphasizes the artistic nature and uses "artwork" and "concerning".

FAQs

What does "make a picture about" mean?

The phrase "make a picture about" means to create an image or illustration that represents or conveys information about a particular topic or subject. It's often used when assigning a visual project or task.

What are some alternatives to "make a picture about"?

You can use alternatives like "create a picture of", "illustrate a concept of", or "develop a visual representation of" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make a picture about"?

While not strictly incorrect, the phrase "make a picture about" is less common and may sound awkward to some. More standard phrasings are usually preferred in formal contexts.

In what contexts is "make a picture about" most appropriate?

The phrase might be appropriate in informal settings or when speaking directly, but in formal writing or professional communication, it's better to use alternatives like "create an image depicting" or "design a graphic related to".