What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
picturing
Example
She was picturing herself on a beach, soaking up the sun. [picturing: verb]
Example
I have trouble picturing what the finished product will look like. [picturing: gerund or present participle]
imagining
Example
He was imagining what it would be like to live in a different country. [imagining: verb]
Example
She has a great imagination and can come up with creative ideas easily. [imagination: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imagining is more commonly used than picturing in everyday language. Imagining is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while picturing is less common and refers to a more specific type of mental activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between picturing and imagining?
While picturing is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, imagining is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
