secure a picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure a picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to obtaining or acquiring a specific image or photograph, often in a context where permission or safety is involved. Example: "Before we proceed with the presentation, we need to secure a picture of the new product for our marketing materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, we now know that it isn't terribly secure — a picture of your face was apparently good enough to fool it — but Google seems to have made Face Unlock just a bit more secure in their early Jelly Bean release.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Critics aren't so bad," she joked, as she accepted the award, Skyfall was named best action movie, a day after it failed to become the first Bond film to secure a best picture Oscar nomination.

BBC

The previous two years, the Weinstein marketing magic is credited with securing a Best Picture win for the Artist in 2012 -- a silent, black & white, subtitled film and The King's Speech in 2011.

Huffington Post

However, this study by using a variety of sources, from a wide range of stakeholders and over time has gone someway to securing a full picture of the nurse consultants as a workforce innovation in community service settings.

BMC Health Services Research

But with Control scribe Matt Greenhalgh's screenplay drawing heavily on Baird's solo volume, Giuliano has reportedly instructed his lawyers to secure a 50% share of the picture's earnings.

The Guardian - Film

Secure a location.

Vice

Secure a good location.

WikiHow

Christie's, which secured a number of pictures long out of the market, came out the winner.

The New York Times - Arts

The Emerys claim the crackdown is the government attempting to cut dispensaries out of the picture, securing a monopoly for licensed dispensaries once legalization is in place.

Vice

In the academy's 85-year awards history, "Argo" is only the fourth to secure best picture without an accompanying directorial nomination.

Los Angeles Times

Potential buyers were made to feel that acquiring a Beyeler picture amounted to securing a badge of cultural honor.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secure a picture" in contexts related to digital security, ensure you are also addressing the methods used to protect the image from unauthorized access or modification.

Common error

Avoid using "secure a picture" when you only mean taking a photograph, as it implies more than just the act of capturing the image. Use the phrase when there's an aspect of obtaining, protecting, or formalizing access to the image, otherwise opt for a more direct term like "take a photo".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a picture" functions primarily as a verb phrase where 'secure' acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ('a picture'). The phrase indicates the action of obtaining or ensuring possession of an image, often implying a process or effort to do so. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secure a picture" is a versatile phrase that signifies the action of obtaining, protecting, or ensuring access to an image. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, ranging from news and media to technical documentation. The key is to use it when the context involves more than just the simple act of taking a photograph, but rather the effort or steps involved in acquiring or safeguarding the image. The related phrases, such as "obtain a photograph" or "acquire an image", offer slight nuances in meaning and can be used to fine-tune your writing. Remember to avoid using the phrase if you simply mean to take a photograph, as this can cause confusion about your intent. Considering source authority, the phrase appears across a wide range of reputable platforms, including The Guardian, TechCrunch, and The New York Times, solidifying its place in common English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a photograph

Focuses on the act of getting a photograph.

acquire an image

Highlights the acquisition of an image, often implying ownership.

get a photo

A more casual way of saying obtaining a photo.

capture a photo

Emphasizes the act of recording a photographic image.

procure a photograph

Suggests a formal or official acquisition of a photograph.

ensure possession of the image

Focuses on guaranteeing control and ownership of the image.

lock down the image rights

Specifically refers to securing the legal rights to an image.

guarantee access to the photo

Highlights ensuring that access to the photo is available and maintained.

get hold of the image

Suggests obtaining the image, sometimes implying it was difficult to get.

lay claim to the picture

Implies asserting ownership or rights over the picture.

FAQs

What does "secure a picture" mean?

The phrase "secure a picture" means to obtain, acquire, or protect an image, often implying that some effort or action is needed to gain access to or safeguard the image. It can also refer to ensuring the legal rights to use the image.

What can I say instead of "secure a picture"?

You can use alternatives like "obtain a photograph", "acquire an image", or "get a photo" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "secure a picture" in a formal context?

Yes, "secure a picture" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when discussing legal rights, permissions, or the protection of digital assets. However, in casual conversation, "get a photo" might be more appropriate.

How is "secure a picture" different from "take a picture"?

"Take a picture" refers to the simple act of capturing an image with a camera. "Secure a picture", on the other hand, implies a process of obtaining, protecting, or formally acquiring the rights to an image. The distinction lies in the extra effort or measures involved in "securing" the image.