portray that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "portray that" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want to express the act of depicting or representing something, but it often requires additional context to clarify what is being portrayed. Example: "The artist aims to portray that sense of longing in her latest painting."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's tough to portray that, particularly from Julia's perspective.

The Guardian

But many have tried to portray that way as George-Bush-style stumblebum-ism.

The Economist

"She can portray that icy blonde... you never know what she's thinking".

Independent

Mr. Lietzau said it was wrong to portray that group as "cleared".

The New York Times

"But if they were to portray that accurately, it would look more like Swiss cheese".

The New York Times - Tech

'The Green Pastures' is an attempt to portray that humble, reverent conception".

The New York Times

Our songs portray that complication: they are frills and fusses and curlicues.

The Guardian - Music

They continue to try to portray that Agha didn't mean that but rather this.

The Guardian

"It's hard for the general American media to portray that and hard for people to accept it," Dungy said.

The New York Times - Sports

Because you're witnessing this whole thing through her eyes, it needed somebody who can subtly portray that".

Independent

Aretha knew what Carole King was trying to say and how she had to portray that song.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "portray that", ensure the subject of the portrayal and the aspect being portrayed are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider if a more specific verb like "depict", "represent", or "illustrate" would be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "portray that" as a one-size-fits-all substitute for more specific verbs. Instead, analyze the intended meaning and choose a verb that accurately reflects the action, such as "depict", "illustrate", or "represent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "portray that" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of depicting or representing something. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where the goal is to convey a specific image or idea. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase itself is grammatically acceptable, though sometimes clunky.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "portray that" is used to describe the act of depicting or representing something. Ludwig AI indicates that, while grammatically acceptable, it may sometimes be less precise than alternative verbs like "depict", "represent", or "illustrate". Its usage is common across news and media, with lesser presence in scientific and formal contexts. For clarity and impact, consider more specific alternatives depending on the intended meaning. Source quality is high, but usage consistency could be improved with careful attention to context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depict that

Uses a more direct synonym for 'portray', focusing on visual representation.

represent that

Emphasizes standing in for or symbolizing something.

illustrate that

Highlights the use of examples or visuals to clarify.

show that

A simpler and more general way to indicate demonstration or evidence.

demonstrate that

Focuses on proving or making something clear through action or evidence.

express that

Conveys the idea of communicating a feeling or thought.

convey that

Highlights the act of communicating an idea or feeling effectively.

render that

Focuses on the artistic or technical execution of a representation.

characterize that

Emphasizes the specific qualities used to describe or define something.

image that

Focuses on creating a mental picture or impression.

FAQs

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

Use "portray that" to describe how something is depicted or represented. For example, "The movie aims to portray that era accurately." However, consider if a more specific verb would improve clarity.

What can I say instead of "portray that"?

You can use alternatives like "depict that", "represent that", or "illustrate that" depending on the context.

When is it best to use "portray that" over other similar phrases?

Use "portray that" when you want to emphasize the act of presenting something in a particular way. However, ensure the context clearly defines both the subject and the manner of portrayal to avoid vagueness.

Is "portray that" always the most effective choice for expressing representation?

No, while grammatically correct, "portray that" can sometimes be less direct than alternatives. Consider whether verbs like "show that", "demonstrate that", or "express that" might be more suitable.