real picture

USAGE SUMMARY

"real picture" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an actual depiction or representation of something, as opposed to a drawing, computer-generated image, or other depiction. For example, "The artist used a real picture of the lake instead of a painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We paint the real picture".

The Guardian

The real picture is, of course, different.

The Guardian - Music

"But that is not the real picture".

The New York Times

"You get a real picture of the designer's personality".

The New York Times

But the real picture is a good deal more nuanced.

The Economist

It is, after all, a real picture, and thus imperfect.

The Economist

So who knows what the real picture might be.

The Guardian

This is the real picture of unemployment in Australia".

The Guardian

But the real picture is likely to be worse.

The Guardian

"The system is not good because you're not getting a real picture out here," he said.

The New Yorker

After the cameras left, the real picture turned out to be far more complex.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to present the reality of a situation, use "real picture" to emphasize that you are providing a genuine and unfiltered account. This is particularly effective when contrasting it with misleading or incomplete information.

Common error

While "real picture" is effective for conveying authenticity, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "accurate portrayal" or "genuine depiction" for a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real picture" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It represents a depiction or understanding that is accurate and true. Ludwig AI validates this through its examples where the phrase conveys a sense of authenticity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "real picture" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that aims to convey an accurate and truthful representation of a subject. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, where the emphasis is on presenting factual accounts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-regarded and serves the purpose of contrasting authentic views with potentially misleading information. For more nuanced writing, you may consider alternatives like "accurate portrayal" or "genuine depiction". Overall, "real picture" is a reliable choice when clarity and truthfulness are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accurate portrayal

Focuses on the correctness and truthfulness of the depiction.

genuine depiction

Highlights the authenticity and lack of falseness in the representation.

true representation

Emphasizes the fidelity of the representation to reality.

realistic account

Suggests a narrative or description that mirrors reality closely.

honest assessment

Implies a fair and unbiased evaluation of a situation.

factual representation

Indicates that the depiction is based on verifiable facts.

unvarnished truth

Highlights the raw and unfiltered nature of the truth being presented.

complete story

Focuses on presenting all aspects of a situation, not just selected parts.

full perspective

Emphasizes seeing all sides of an issue to gain a thorough understanding.

authentic perspective

Highlights the point of view is trustworthy and credible.

FAQs

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

You can use "real picture" to describe an accurate or genuine representation of something, such as "The report aims to provide the "real picture" of the company's financial health".

What are some alternatives to "real picture"?

Alternatives include "accurate portrayal", "genuine depiction", or "true representation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "real picture" or "realistic picture"?

"Real picture" typically implies an actual, accurate view, while "realistic picture" suggests a view that is believable or resembles reality. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing accuracy or believability.

How does "real picture" differ from "complete picture"?

"Real picture" focuses on authenticity and accuracy, whereas "complete story" emphasizes that all aspects of a situation are included. You might use "complete story" to indicate thoroughness, while "real picture" stresses truthfulness.