"depicted in" vs "depicted on"

Question

"depicted in" vs "depicted on"

Both "depicted in" and "depicted on" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Depicted in" is used when referring to the content or subject matter of a painting, movie, etc., while "depicted on" is used when referring to the physical surface on which something is depicted.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

Use "depicted in" when referring to the content or subject matter of a painting, movie, book, etc. For example, "The scene depicted in the painting is a beautiful sunset."

Examples:

The characters depicted in the novel are very well-developed.
The emotions depicted in the movie were very realistic.
The events depicted in the documentary are based on true stories.

Alternatives:

shown in
illustrated in
portrayed in
represented in
described in

Use "depicted on" when referring to the physical surface on which something is depicted, such as a canvas, screen, or page. For example, "The artwork was depicted on a large canvas."

Examples:

The image was depicted on a giant screen during the concert.
The story was depicted on the pages of the graphic novel.
The mural was depicted on the side of the building.

Alternatives:

shown on
illustrated on
painted on
displayed on
printed on

Answer 1

depicted in

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the content or subject matter of a painting, movie, etc.

Answer 2

depicted on

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the physical surface on which something is depicted.

"depicted in" vs "depicted on"

depicted in

depicted on

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