this is the scene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is the scene" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to introduce or describe a specific moment or setting in a narrative. For example, "As the sun set behind the mountains, this is the scene that unfolded before us." Alternative expressions include "this is the setting" and "this is the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

I'm not thinking: 'Is this person black or white?' but: 'She's 21, she smokes, she loves her husband, this is the scene where they try to take her house away from her' and so on".

The Guardian - Film

This is the scene of the crime!

The New Yorker

This is the scene where Romeo and Juliet first meet.

The Guardian - Film

This is the scene in New Orleans a month after the deluge.

The New York Times

This is the scene that took place in every district of every city in Egypt today.

The Guardian

"This is the scene I didn't think you'd like," Michael Korie, the lyricist, replied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This was the scene.

The Guardian

The previous night this was the scene of a drama.

The New York Times

10.20am BST This was the scene in Oslo.

The Guardian

This was the scene at the monthly meeting of the New York Police Department's Retired Detectives Association.

The New York Times

This was the scene depicted with forgivable exaggerations in the motion picture Saturday Night Fever (1977).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase in journalistic writing to transition from abstract data to a vivid, boots-on-the-ground description of an event.

Common error

Do not use "this is the scene" when the setting is already explicitly obvious from the preceding sentence, as it can create a 'stutter' in the narrative flow. For instance, instead of saying 'He walked into the kitchen. This is the scene where he cooks.', simply use a more active transition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is the scene" functions primarily as a deictic framing device. It points toward a specific set of circumstances or a visual arrangement, acting as a 'zoom-in' tool for the audience. According to Ludwig, it often serves as a transition between a general topic and a specific illustrative example.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is the scene" is a highly effective tool for writers looking to ground their audience in a specific context. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it is a staple of top-tier journalism, used to bridge the gap between high-level reporting and granular, human-centric detail. Whether describing a literal crime scene in The New Yorker or a metaphorical cultural shift in The Guardian, the phrase remains a reliable choice for establishing clarity and atmosphere. While its primary home is in News & Media, its logical structure and clarity make it a robust addition to any descriptive toolkit, provided it is not overused in place of more active verbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is the setting

Focuses more on the physical or temporal environment rather than the action taking place.

this is the scenario

Implies a hypothetical or structured sequence of events rather than a visual description.

here is the situation

Directs attention to the circumstances or complications currently being faced.

this is the backdrop

Emphasizes the underlying conditions or physical background behind a main event.

this is the moment

Narrows the focus to a specific point in time rather than the visual surroundings.

this is the location

Stresses the geographical or physical point where something occurs.

such is the scene

More formal or literary tone used to summarize a complex situation previously described.

behold the scene

Archaic or dramatic imperative used to draw intense visual attention.

this represents the scene

Functional description used when discussing artwork, photographs or models.

here is the view

Specific to the visual perspective from a certain vantage point.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "this is the scene"?

Depending on your focus, you can use alternatives like "this is the setting", "this is the scenario" or "here is the situation".

Is "this is the scene" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a standard English phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in high-quality publications to introduce descriptions or narrative segments.

When should I use "this is the scene" versus "this is the place"?

Use "this is the scene" when referring to an event, a social atmosphere or a specific moment in a story. Use "this is the place" when referring strictly to a physical location or geographical spot.

Can I use "this is the scene" in academic writing?

It is generally more common in journalism and creative writing. For formal academic papers, consider more precise terms like "this context" or "the following environment".