the drawing shows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the drawing shows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing or explaining what is depicted in a drawing or illustration. Example: "In the presentation, the drawing shows the layout of the new building design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The top half of the drawing shows a small boy and his grandfather looking over an Indiana cornfield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The drawing shows the head of a woman next to the body of an angry, misshapen fetus.

The New Yorker

The drawing shows the correct 23° tilt of Earth's rotation axis, but the edge of the shadow cast by the sun is incorrectly drawn along a meridian.

The Economist

Under the headline "Migrants", the drawing shows two lascivious pig-like men with their tongues hanging out chasing two terrified, screaming women who are running away.

The Guardian

I liked to peek up skirts," and here the drawing shows her lifting the edges of a long pleated skirt and stealing a glance underneath "just to see what I could see".

The New York Times - Books

The drawing shows the setup with the blade iris half open (gray shaded) from behind.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

STAMFORD Loft Artists Association "The Drawing Show," group show.

The New York Times

STAMFORD "The Drawing Show IV: Marks on a Page," group show.

The New York Times

The younger artist was going to make an instructional television pilot titled "The Drawing Show," hoping to interest PBS in airing a series that would raise his profile.

The New Yorker

The Drawing Show The Arts Exchange, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains.

The New York Times

The drawing showed two rent-hunters walking past the White House.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual information, ensure your language is precise and matches the drawing's level of detail. Avoid vague terms and clearly define what "the drawing" is illustrating.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience interprets the drawing the same way you do. Provide specific details and context to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the drawing shows" functions as a declarative statement introducing a description of the visual content within a drawing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and accepted usage for describing visual representations. Examples from the provided data clearly demonstrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the drawing shows" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing visual content. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the provided examples showcase its application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage is appropriate and clear. Consider the context and audience when choosing between this phrase and alternatives like "the illustration depicts" or "the diagram illustrates" for enhanced precision and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the illustration depicts

Replaces "drawing" with "illustration", focusing on the visual representation.

the diagram illustrates

Substitutes "drawing" with "diagram", suitable for technical contexts.

the figure presents

Uses "figure" instead of "drawing", common in scientific papers and reports.

the sketch reveals

Replaces "drawing" with "sketch", implying a more informal or preliminary representation.

the image portrays

Substitutes "drawing" with "image", emphasizing the visual aspect.

the chart indicates

Changes "drawing" to "chart", appropriate when presenting data visually.

the graphic represents

Replaces "drawing" with "graphic", a broader term for visual content.

as the drawing indicates

Adds introductory phrase for emphasis.

the depiction shows

Uses a noun form of depict, interchangeable in some contexts.

this drawing presents

Adds "this" for emphasis.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "the drawing shows"?

You can use alternatives like "the illustration depicts", "the diagram illustrates", or "the figure presents" depending on the context.

How do I use "the drawing shows" effectively in a sentence?

Start with "the drawing shows" followed by a clear and concise description of what the drawing illustrates. For example, "The drawing shows the layout of the new park design."

Is "the drawing shows" formal or informal?

"The drawing shows" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives such as "the illustration depicts".

What's the difference between "the drawing shows" and "the drawing illustrates"?

While similar, "illustrates" suggests a more detailed or explanatory depiction than "shows". You can use "the drawing illustrates" when the drawing is meant to explain a concept or process.