photos

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'photos' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to pictures taken with a camera, either on film or digital. For example, "My friend sent me some photos from her vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If they don't, how will they ever learn what suits them, or have hilariously embarrassing photos to look back on?

The Guardian - Opinion

The US satellite photos showed Russian troops at bases 50 miles from the border.

The Guardian

Alternatively, a Dropbox account is also a good way to get photos on to your computer.

The Guardian - Tech

Apfel stars, along with Anna Wintour, as a New York grande dame in the documentary Bill Cunningham New York, having been a regular in Cunningham's photos for several decades, and is set to be the subject of her own documentary by Grey Gardens film-maker Albert Maysles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can share your thoughts in the comment thread below, or submit your stories, photos or videos via GuardianWitness.

The Guardian

I had grown up with her pictures and was in awe of her, and also taken aback by the mismatch between the soft, deep, clear beauty of her black-and-white photos that contain every shade and grain of grey and the unassuming, unadorned figure she cut.

The Guardian - Arts

Those naked photos you took of yourself to send to your partner?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thankfully, this year's photos didn't have quite the same tone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A popular Facebook page run by an Iranian expat journalist hosting photos Iranian women have furtively snapped of themselves sans-headscarf has caused a conservative uproar.

The Guardian

We don't know precisely how quickly syncing over Wi-Fi and especially 3G will work (especially with larger photos from the newer iPhone 4S).

The Guardian - Tech

Attacks by Boko Haram have disrupted connections further, meaning that there is an absence of an online community able to share news, photos and video reports of news as it unfolds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "photos" when referring to multiple photographic images, whether digital or printed. Consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "photographs" or "snapshots" is appropriate.

Common error

Ensure you use the plural form "photos" when referring to more than one image. Using the singular "photo" in a context requiring a plural form is a common error. For example, say "I took many photos" not "I took many photo".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "photos" is that of a plural noun, typically functioning as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to multiple photographic images.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "photos" is the plural form of "photo", functioning as a plural noun that refers to multiple photographic images. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and widely used. Its register is neutral, though often informal, and it's commonly found in contexts such as news and media. Alternatives include "pictures" and "images", but the best choice depends on the specific context. It is crucial to avoid using the singular form "photo" when referring to multiple images.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pictures

A general term for visual representations, interchangeable with "photos" in many contexts.

images

Similar to "pictures", referring to visual depictions, though "images" can also include abstract representations.

photographs

A more formal synonym for "photos", specifically referring to images created through photography.

snapshots

Informal term for quickly taken, often candid, photographs.

pics

A very informal, abbreviated version of "pictures" or "photos".

visuals

Broader term including any kind of images, not necessarily photographic.

digital images

Highlights the digital nature of the images, often implying they are easily shareable.

stills

Often refers to images taken from a video or film.

prints

Refers to physical copies of photographs.

illustrations

Images that are drawn or painted, not photographs.

FAQs

How do I use "photos" in a sentence?

"Photos" is the plural form of "photo" and refers to multiple images. For example, "I shared some "photos" from my trip" or "These "photos" show the changes over time".

What's the difference between "photos" and "photographs"?

While both "photos" and "photographs" refer to images produced by photography, "photos" is generally considered more informal and is often used in casual conversation. "Photographs" is a more formal term.

Can I use "images" instead of "photos"?

Yes, "images" can often be used in place of "photos", especially when referring to digital pictures or a collection of visual content. However, "images" is a broader term that includes illustrations and other non-photographic visuals, so consider whether that broader meaning is appropriate in your context.

What are some alternatives to "photos" for social media captions?

For social media, you might use informal terms like "pics", "snapshots", or descriptive phrases like "moments captured" to refer to your "photos".