picture out

USAGE SUMMARY

No, the phrase "picture out" is not correct or usable in written English. To use a phrase that means the same thing but is grammatically correct and usable in written English, you can say "picture it" or "picture what it would be like". For example: "Close your eyes and picture what it would be like to skydive from an airplane."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What this is coming down to is getting the picture out as fast as you can.

The New York Times

As Shabiu holds the picture out like some form of explanation, Remzije begins to cry.

The New York Times - Magazine

They went to the media to get her picture out everywhere, asking the public's help, quickly and appropriately.

Huffington Post

Try to picture out what kind of villain you want to make.

WikiHow

Lay the picture out on a flat, smooth bit of clay.

WikiHow

It's a totally different picture out there.

The New York Times

It's a real grim picture out there".

The New York Times

It's a pretty robust picture out there".

The New York Times - Arts

He said, "You can't make a picture out of that".

The New Yorker

And I can't get that picture out of my mind.

The New Yorker

"A government employee posted the edited picture out of error..

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "picture out" can sometimes be understood in informal contexts, but it is advisable to choose more precise alternatives to enhance understanding and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "picture out" in formal writing. While it might be common in speech, it's not grammatically correct. Instead, use the phrasal verb "picture it", or another suitable alternative, to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picture out" functions primarily as a verb phrase intended to prompt visualization. However, it often lacks grammatical correctness in standard English. Ludwig identifies it as incorrect, yet its prevalence in varied contexts suggests an attempt to convey visual imagination or understanding, similar to 'imagine' or 'visualize'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "picture out" appears frequently across various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect. It aims to convey visualization or imagination, but standard alternatives like "picture it", "imagine that", or "visualize it" are recommended for clarity and correctness. Its presence is stronger in informal contexts such as news media and wiki content, but should be avoided in formal writing to maintain grammatical accuracy and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

picture it

This is a grammatically correct way to ask someone to visualize something.

imagine that

Replaces "picture" with "imagine", keeping the sense of visualization.

visualize it

Emphasizes the act of creating a visual image in one's mind.

form a mental image

More formal, emphasizing the creation of an image in the mind.

envision that

Similar to imagine, but can also imply anticipating a future scenario.

bring to mind

Focuses on recalling or remembering a visual scene.

get a mental picture

Emphasizes obtaining a clear mental image.

conceptualize it

A more abstract way of asking someone to understand or grasp an idea.

see in your mind's eye

A more figurative and descriptive way to say 'imagine'.

think of

A more general way to ask someone to consider something.

FAQs

Is "picture out" grammatically correct?

No, "picture out" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. More appropriate alternatives include "picture it", "imagine that", or rephrasing the sentence for clarity.

What does "picture out" mean?

While grammatically incorrect, "picture out" is used informally to mean 'imagine' or 'visualize'. It is often used when asking someone to form a mental image of something.

What can I say instead of "picture out"?

You can use alternatives like "picture it", "visualize it", or "imagine that" depending on the context. These are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

In what situations is it okay to use "picture out"?

The phrase "picture out" is appropriate in informal conversations or casual writing. It's best to avoid it in formal or professional contexts. When writing formally, substitute "picture it" or "imagine that".