the image shows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the image shows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing or referencing what is depicted in a visual representation, such as a photograph, illustration, or diagram. Example: "In the presentation, the image shows the growth of the company's revenue over the last five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The image shows a vixen in a scarlet negligee.

The New York Times - Food

The image shows Montreal as a major cluster of lights.

The Guardian

The image shows an ornate marble mantle, decked with vases and an oversized bell jar.

The New Yorker

The image shows multiple rivers, far from the village, that remained swollen with wastewater and mud.

The Guardian

The image shows the very beginning of the march, where it started on Rue Voltaire.

The Guardian - Arts

The image shows extensive haze, low clouds, and fog over north-eastern China, 30 November.

The Guardian

The image shows his twin bed, spread with seashells mostly scooped from the Jersey Shore.

The New York Times

The image shows a jumble of severed arms and feet wrapped in bloody bandages.

Independent

The image shows the suspect as a young African American man wearing sunglasses.

Independent

The image shows the stuff of biopsies -- for example, any unusual shape or change in cells and their connecting tissue.

The New York Times - Tech

The image shows Harry Potter in the cupboard under the stairs where the Dursleys make him sleep.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the image shows", ensure the image is directly relevant to the text and contributes meaningfully to the overall message. Avoid using it simply as a placeholder or without explaining the significance of what the image depicts.

Common error

Avoid using "the image shows" to describe aspects that are already evident from the image itself. Instead, focus on interpreting the image, providing context, or highlighting specific details that might not be immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the image shows" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It introduces what a visual representation depicts. As shown in examples from Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to provide context or explain the content of a picture, photograph, or diagram.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the image shows" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe the content of a visual representation. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, informing the audience about what is visually presented. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it is most prevalent in news media, scientific publications, and wiki-style content. When using this phrase, focus on offering valuable insights beyond the obvious and avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "the picture depicts" or "the photograph illustrates" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the picture depicts

Replaces "image" with "picture" and uses "depicts" instead of "shows", offering a slightly more formal tone.

the photograph illustrates

Substitutes "image" with "photograph" and "shows" with "illustrates", implying a visual representation captured by a camera.

the graphic represents

Replaces "image" with "graphic" and "shows" with "represents", suggesting a symbolic or simplified visual depiction.

the diagram indicates

Substitutes "image" with "diagram" and "shows" with "indicates", implying a structured visual representation used to convey information.

the illustration portrays

Replaces "image" with "illustration" and "shows" with "portrays", suggesting a visual representation created to depict a scene or subject.

the figure presents

Replaces "image" with "figure" and "shows" with "presents", often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe data or results visualized in a graph or chart.

the visual details

Focuses on the visual aspects being presented, implying a closer examination of specific elements.

the scene captures

Emphasizes the act of capturing a particular moment or setting, often used in descriptive writing.

the display reveals

Highlights the act of uncovering or making something visible, often used when emphasizing the informative aspect of an image.

the rendering depicts

Used to describe computer-generated images or architectural visualizations, highlighting the process of creating the visual representation.

FAQs

How can I use "the image shows" in a sentence?

Use "the image shows" to describe what is visually represented in a picture, photograph, or graphic. For example, "the image shows a mountain range".

What are some alternatives to "the image shows"?

You can use phrases like "the picture depicts", "the photograph illustrates", or "the graphic represents" to vary your writing.

Is it better to say "the image shows" or "the image displays"?

"The image shows" is generally more versatile and widely applicable. "The image displays" is suitable when emphasizing the technical aspect of presentation, such as on a screen or device.

How do I avoid redundancy when using "the image shows"?

To avoid redundancy, focus on what the image reveals or implies rather than stating the obvious. Instead of "The image shows a cat", try "The image shows a cat, highlighting its distinctive markings".