picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a visual representation, such as a photograph or illustration, or when asking someone to visualize a scenario. Example: "Can you picture yourself living in a different country?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although there was disappointment that neither Mike Leigh's much-fancied Topsy-Turvy, Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr Ripley, nor Neil Jordan's The End of the Affair made it into the frame for best picture, the Brits did well overall.

The Guardian - Film

The failure of The Hurricane to win a best picture nomination was a surprise.

The Guardian - Film

(You get the picture).

The New York Times

George Cukor, the second of four directors on the picture, got rid of the blonde wig and doll's makeup that Garland had been given, presumably to imitate Temple, and stressed the character's naturalness, a quality the younger star often lacked.

The Guardian - Film

The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, who has been criticised by some senior doctors for painting an unfairly negative picture of NHS staff and the quality of care provided, welcomed the report.

The Guardian

This should make it appear as if the egg is half open (as shown in the picture).

The Guardian

The same was true of his classic picture of Seberg kissing Belmondo on the cheek.

The Guardian - Arts

The prime minister also widened his attack on the Labour leader by saying that a picture of a house decked out in St George's flags in Rochester and Strood tweeted by Emily Thornberry showed that Labour "sneers" at hard-working people.

The Guardian

Broadly, though, this study paints a discouraging picture.

The Guardian

A complete picture of the last few months of his life is difficult to assemble: even his closest family members describe him as "inward", consumed with "private things".

The Guardian

A: Please send requests for listings to [email protected] Q: I would like to submit photographs to your picture desk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "picture" to describe a situation, consider whether a more specific term like "scenario", "state", or "condition" might provide greater clarity.

Common error

While "picture" is versatile, overuse can make writing seem less sophisticated. Replace it with more precise alternatives like "image", "representation", or "depiction" in formal reports and academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "picture" is as a noun, referring to a visual representation. It can also function as a verb, meaning to imagine or depict something. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, aligning with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "picture" is a very common and grammatically correct term in English, functioning primarily as a noun to describe a visual representation or as a verb to depict or imagine. It's widely used in news and media, as evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig. While versatile, using more specific alternatives in formal contexts can enhance writing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. The examples provided illustrate its broad applicability and semantic range.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

image

Refers to a visual representation, like a "picture", but can also be more abstract.

photograph

A "picture" created using a camera, more specific than a general representation.

painting

A "picture" created with paint, specifying the medium of art.

illustration

A "picture" created to explain or decorate something, often in books.

representation

A general term for something that stands for or depicts something else, broader than "picture".

depiction

The act of representing something in a "picture" or other form.

scene

A view or setting, often part of a larger "picture" or story.

impression

A subjective feeling or image formed in the mind, a mental "picture".

film

A sequence of "pictures" creating a moving image.

movie

A full-length film consisting of moving "pictures".

FAQs

How can I use "picture" in a sentence?

You can use "picture" to refer to a visual representation, as in "I took a "picture" of the sunset". You can also use it to describe a situation or concept, as in "The report paints a grim "picture" of the economy".

What words can I use instead of "picture"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "image", "photograph", "painting", or "representation".

Is it correct to say "get the picture"?

Yes, "get the "picture"" is an idiomatic expression meaning to understand the situation or information being presented.

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

While both refer to visual representations, ""picture"" often implies a physical or realistic depiction, whereas ""image"" can be more abstract or mental.