to portray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to portray" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of representing or depicting someone or something, often in art, literature, or performance. Example: "The artist aims to portray the struggles of everyday life through her paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That makes them easier to portray vividly.

The New Yorker

But which Tupac to portray onstage?

The New York Times

Everybody wants to portray that.

The New York Times - Sports

Or to portray Oscar Guillermo Montes's weary eyes?

The New Yorker

In trying (understandably) to portray Diana accurately and reverentially, Watts has neglected to portray a person.

Independent

Her lines are formed to portray attitude.

The New York Times

Eventually, Hislen began to portray similar symptoms.

The Guardian - Tech

He went on to portray sex addiction.

The Guardian - Arts

How to portray that on stage?

The Guardian

Mood is very important to portray.

The New York Times - Arts

Did I mean to portray these things?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to portray", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it a visual depiction, a verbal description, or a symbolic representation? Choose synonyms accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "to portray" in every situation. Sometimes, more precise verbs like "to depict", "to represent", or "to describe" might better fit the context and improve the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to portray" functions primarily as a verb complement or part of a verb phrase. As shown in Ludwig, it often follows auxiliary verbs or other verbs to express the action of depicting or representing something or someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to portray" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies the act of depicting or representing something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While "to portray" is generally suitable, considering synonyms like "to depict" or "to represent" can enhance the precision of your writing. Its neutral formality makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Common in news media and academic writing, mastering its usage will contribute to clearer and more impactful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to depict

Replaces "portray" with a synonym that emphasizes visual representation or description.

to represent

Offers a broader alternative, focusing on standing for or symbolizing something.

to illustrate

Suggests clarifying or explaining through examples or visuals, rather than simply depicting.

to describe

Focuses on providing a detailed account of something, often verbally.

to embody

Implies representing something in a tangible or physical form.

to render

Suggests recreating something in a different form, often artistic.

to characterize

Focuses on highlighting the distinctive features of something.

to impersonate

Means to mimic or act as another person, often in performance.

to present

Focuses on showing or displaying something to an audience.

to express

Indicates conveying thoughts or feelings, not necessarily a visual depiction.

FAQs

How can I use "to portray" in a sentence?

You can use "to portray" to describe the act of depicting someone or something, often in art, literature, or performance. For example, "The artist aims to portray the struggles of everyday life through her paintings."

What can I say instead of "to portray"?

You can use alternatives like "to depict", "to represent", or "to describe" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "to portray" and "to describe"?

"To portray" often implies a visual or artistic representation, while "to describe" focuses on providing a detailed account, usually in words. For example, a painter might "portray" a scene, while a writer might "describe" it.

When is it most appropriate to use "to portray"?

It is most appropriate to use "to portray" when you want to emphasize the act of depicting someone or something in a specific way, often with artistic intent or to convey a particular message. It's suitable when discussing art, performance, or character representation.