such a picture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a picture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific image or representation that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "After seeing the artist's work, I couldn't help but admire such a picture of beauty and emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such a picture of misery.

The New Yorker

We would remove such a picture – and have done so.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, for the present discussion, such a picture is useful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But who, really, is such a picture narrative for?

The New York Times - Books

Stock prices will remain under pressure in such a picture.

The New York Times

The Democrats claim they can paint just such a picture.

The New York Times

If such a picture is broadly accurate, then Parmalat will look much like other corporate scandals.

The Economist

One student caught with such a picture in her notebook was expelled.

The New York Times

You might expect to find such a picture hanging in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

The Guardian - Arts

But how true is such a picture to the real experience of modern metropolitan life?

The New York Times - Arts

Just such a picture of elemental ordeal was caught on 26 December 2006.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such a picture" when you want to refer back to a specific image or representation that has already been mentioned or is clear from the context. For example, "The article described the devastation caused by the hurricane. Such a picture is hard to forget."

Common error

Avoid using "such a picture" excessively in formal or academic writing. It can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "this image" or "the aforementioned representation". Consider the tone and audience of your writing when choosing your words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a picture" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically acting as a determiner modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showing it's used to refer back to an image previously discussed or understood in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a picture" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer back to a specific image or representation already mentioned or understood. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used across diverse sources like News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral register. While highly versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in formal contexts, opting for more precise alternatives when suitable. Examples show that it's used to evoke emotions, convey information, or illustrate a point. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such an image

Replaces "picture" with "image", emphasizing the visual aspect.

such a depiction

Substitutes "picture" with "depiction", highlighting the act of portraying something.

such a photograph

Replaces "picture" with the more specific term "photograph", referring to a captured image.

such a portrayal

Uses "portrayal" instead of "picture", focusing on the representation or depiction of something.

such a representation

Replaces "picture" with "representation", emphasizing the symbolic nature of the image.

such a scene

Uses "scene" instead of "picture", often referring to a visual arrangement or setting.

that kind of image

Rephrases the expression to use "that kind of image", indicating a similar visual representation.

that sort of depiction

Similar to "that kind of image", but uses "depiction" to highlight the act of portraying.

a picture like that

Inverts the structure to "a picture like that", maintaining a similar meaning.

an image of that kind

Combines elements of previous alternatives to create a slightly more verbose option.

FAQs

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

"Such a picture" is used to refer to a specific image already mentioned or understood in context. For example: "The report detailed the poverty in the region. "Such a picture" is hard to ignore."

What are some alternatives to "such a picture"?

You can use alternatives like "such an image", "such a depiction", or "that kind of image" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "such a picture" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "such a picture" too often in formal writing can make your writing sound less precise. Consider using more specific terms like "this representation" or "the aforementioned image".

What is the difference between "such a picture" and "such a photograph"?

"Such a photograph" is more specific than "such a picture". While "picture" can refer to any visual representation, including paintings or illustrations, "photograph" refers specifically to an image captured by a camera.