picture that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picture that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to visualize or imagine a scenario or idea you are describing. Example: "Imagine a world where everyone is kind to one another. Picture that for a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now picture that.

The Guardian - Books

The picture that emerges is often unflattering.

The Economist

Shapps tweeted a picture that said: "Bingo.

The Guardian

The picture that emerges is remarkable.

The New Yorker

The picture that emerges is sombre.

The Guardian - Books

Take a picture: that doesn't happen often.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A mechanistic picture that explains this peculiar effect is proposed.

Chemical Engineering Science

The picture that "proves" this is here.

The Guardian

It's not a nice picture that emerges".

The New York Times - Science

And Beside will draw a picture that looks like this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(It's the pictures that aren't).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "picture that" to encourage your audience to actively engage with your description, creating a more vivid and memorable experience. Use it to set up scenarios or ideas that might be difficult to grasp without a mental image.

Common error

Avoid using "picture that" excessively in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. While grammatically correct, it can sound too informal. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "imagine" or "envision" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picture that" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to visualize a specific scenario or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in prompting mental imagery, drawing from diverse contexts in news, academia and wikis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

25%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "picture that" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to prompt visualization of a described scenario. While versatile, it's more common in news, media, academia, and wiki sources and is suitable for neutral contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "imagine that" or "envision that". Using "picture that" effectively involves understanding its function as an imperative to create mental imagery, enhancing engagement and memorability. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imagine that

Direct synonym, replacing "picture" with "imagine" to prompt visualization.

visualize that

Similar to "imagine that", but emphasizes the visual aspect of the mental image.

envision that

A more formal synonym for "imagine that", suitable for professional contexts.

think of that

Broader than "picture that", encompassing any mental consideration, not just visualization.

consider that

Suggests a more thoughtful and analytical approach to the scenario.

just imagine

Emphasizes the element of fantasy and possibility in the visualization.

try to picture

Adds a sense of effort or challenge to the act of visualizing.

what if you pictured that

Presents visualization as a hypothetical exercise, inviting exploration.

form a mental image of that

A more descriptive and explicit way of asking someone to visualize.

let's say you see that

Frames visualization as a hypothetical scenario for discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "picture that" in a sentence?

Use "picture that" to invite your audience to imagine a scenario. For example, "Imagine a bustling marketplace filled with exotic goods. "Picture that" scene in your mind."

What are some alternatives to "picture that"?

Alternatives include "imagine that", "visualize that", or "envision that", which offer similar prompts for the audience to create a mental image.

Is "picture that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "picture that" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using "envision that" or "imagine that" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "imagine that" and "picture that"?

Both phrases prompt visualization, but "picture that" implies a more concrete, visual image. "Imagine that" can be slightly broader, encompassing more abstract concepts beyond purely visual elements.