project an image

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "project an image" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to present or convey a certain impression or appearance to others. Example: The politician carefully crafted his public speeches and wardrobe in order to project an image of competence and strength. Example: The company's marketing team worked hard to project an image of innovation and modernity through their advertisements and branding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How about wheels that project an image — literally?

The New York Times

"Our choice in shoes can help project an image of who we want to be".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The state remained determined to project an image that all was well, even while thousands fled.

The New York Times

He can be expected to move to the centre and project an image of moderation.

The Guardian - Opinion

For a man anxious to project an image of strength, the impression is of uncharacteristic hesitation.

The Economist

Candidates always strive to project an image consistent with the office they are seeking.

The New York Times

Be positive, be prepared to play the game and project an image of your real self".

The Guardian

"On one hand they want to project an image of protecting your privacy.

The New York Times

Most great collectors gather works that together project an image matching their temperament.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Amkreutz says the device can project an image up to 10 feet away.

The New York Times - Tech

Gilbert and George have worked diligently to project an image of complete, unassailable unanimity.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "project an image", consider the specific nuances of the image you're trying to convey. Is it one of strength, competence, or something else? Tailor your language to reinforce that specific image.

Common error

While "project an image" is widely understood, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "convey an impression" or "create an appearance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "project an image" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "project" is the verb and "an image" is the direct object. It describes the act of presenting or conveying a specific impression or appearance. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in various contexts to indicate deliberate efforts to create a particular perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "project an image" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of deliberately presenting a certain impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal business settings. The phrase can carry connotations of sincerity or insincerity depending on the context and is best used with consideration to the specific image being portrayed. When using "project an image", it is important to be mindful of overuse and to consider alternatives such as "convey an impression" or "create an appearance" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create an appearance

Focuses on the act of generating a specific visual or outward presentation.

convey an impression

Focuses on the act of communicating a feeling or idea, rather than a visual representation.

cultivate an image

Highlights the effort and care involved in developing a particular persona or representation.

present a persona

Highlights the act of creating and showing a specific character or role.

portray an identity

Focuses on showing a specific identity to others.

display a facade

Emphasizes a deceptive or artificial outward appearance.

exude an aura

Emphasizes the intangible quality or atmosphere that surrounds a person or thing.

give off a vibe

Emphasizes the emotional feeling or atmosphere someone or something creates.

put on an act

Suggests a deliberate and often insincere performance intended to deceive or impress.

broadcast a message

Focuses on the communication aspect, highlighting the dissemination of a specific piece of information.

FAQs

How can I use "project an image" in a sentence?

You can use "project an image" to describe how someone or something presents a specific impression to others. For example, "The politician worked hard to project an image of trustworthiness."

What are some synonyms for "project an image"?

Alternatives to "project an image" include "convey an impression", "create an appearance", or "present a persona".

Is it better to say "project an image" or "project an aura"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Project an image" focuses on a deliberate presentation, while "project an aura" suggests a more intangible, inherent quality. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Can "project an image" have negative connotations?

Yes, "project an image" can suggest insincerity or manipulation if the image being projected is false or misleading. For example, "The company tried to project an image of environmental responsibility, but its practices told a different story."