a good illustration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good illustration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide an example that effectively demonstrates a point or concept. Example: "The diagram in the report serves as a good illustration of the process we discussed in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a good illustration.

The Guardian

China's past experience is a good illustration.

Columbia University

The instant case is a good illustration.

Cornell University

That's a good illustration of the power of swearing.

Independent

A good illustration is Merrill Lynch Growth Fund.

The Washington Post

The recent Veteran's Administration scandal is a good illustration.

Harvard Business Review

Farm animal welfare provides a good illustration of this.

The Guardian

Quality Street is a good illustration of the system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sony's "The Da Vinci Code" was a good illustration.

The New Yorker

"Today's outcome is a good illustration of the importance of economic growth for public finances".

The New York Times

"But it's turtles all the way down!" [This story cries out for a good illustration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good illustration", ensure the example is directly relevant and clearly supports the point you're making. Avoid overly complex or tangential illustrations that may confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using examples that are too general or lack specific details. A weak illustration diminishes the impact of your argument. Provide enough context so the reader understands why the example is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good illustration" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce an example or instance that clarifies or supports a particular point or argument. It signals to the reader that what follows is intended to make the preceding statement more understandable or convincing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good illustration" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a clarifying example. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and effective. It's most frequently found in news, media, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the illustration directly supports your point and provides sufficient context for the reader. Alternatives include "a good example" or "a clear example", depending on the desired emphasis. Avoid vague or overly complex illustrations that may detract from your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A good example

Replaces "illustration" with "example", focusing on the instance being representative.

A clear example

Adds the adjective "clear" to emphasize the ease of understanding the example.

A perfect illustration

Replaces "good" with "perfect", highlighting the quality of the illustration.

A telling example

Emphasizes that the example reveals something significant.

A case in point

Introduces an example directly relevant to the discussion.

A prime example

Highlights the example as being among the best or most typical.

An effective illustration

Focuses on the illustration's success in conveying the intended message.

A representative example

Stresses the example's ability to stand for a larger group or concept.

This demonstrates

Shifts the focus to the action of demonstrating, rather than labeling something an illustration.

To illustrate this

More formal and directly signals the intent to provide an illustration.

FAQs

How can I use "a good illustration" in a sentence?

You can use "a good illustration" to introduce an example that clarifies a concept. For instance, "The experiment's results provide "a good illustration" of the placebo effect."

What are some alternatives to "a good illustration"?

Alternatives include "a good example", "a clear example", "a prime example", or "a case in point". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What makes an illustration "good"?

A "good" illustration is relevant, clear, and effectively supports the point being made. It should be easy to understand and directly related to the concept it is illustrating.

Is it redundant to say "a good illustration"? Can't all illustrations be assumed to be good?

While not strictly redundant, specifying "good" emphasizes the quality and relevance of the illustration. It assures the reader that the example is particularly helpful in understanding the concept.