be illustrative of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be illustrative of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to serve as an example or demonstration of something. Example: The painting's use of vibrant colors and intricate details is illustrative of the artist's skill and creativity.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Rather, Boyer's case appears to be illustrative of larger, systemic problems in Louisiana.

Cornell University

"It may simply be illustrative of the kind of backscratching, incestuous relationships that occur in the business world.

The New York Times

Most of them embody qualities — grit, commitment, hustle — that are usually found in winners, and that are inevitably seen to be illustrative of the local character.

The New Yorker

If Donald Trump wins, it would be illustrative of where the country is at and the disaffection would be deeper than has been reported so far".

The Guardian

The lost nutrition estimates we provide are meant to be illustrative of the issue's significance and magnitude.

Global Environmental Change

Côte d'Ivoire might be illustrative of this issue.

EPJ Data Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Fernando Spano is illustrative of this dilemma.

The Guardian - Sport

This W-League season has been illustrative of the latter.

The Guardian - Sport

The Newsquest situation is illustrative of journalism's plight.

The Guardian

Dan Levine himself is illustrative of demographic changes.

The New Yorker

The statement is illustrative of DeVos's education worldview.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be illustrative of" when you want to provide a clear example that helps explain or demonstrate a broader concept or trend. It's particularly useful in academic and formal writing to support arguments or analyses with concrete instances.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "be illustrative of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or less formal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "shows" or "exemplifies" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be illustrative of" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to a description of its role as an example or demonstration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be illustrative of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate that something serves as a clear example or demonstration. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is common in academic writing, news reports, and scientific publications. While highly useful for adding clarity and depth to explanations, it leans toward the formal side and may not always be suitable for casual conversation. Be mindful of your audience and consider simpler alternatives like "serve as an example of" or "exemplify depending on the context".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as an example of

This alternative directly replaces "be illustrative of" with a more common phrase, emphasizing the role of providing an example.

exemplify

This is a more concise, single-word alternative that means to be a typical example of something.

demonstrate

This alternative emphasizes the act of showing or proving something through example.

highlight

This alternative suggests that the example emphasizes a particular aspect or feature.

embody

This alternative suggests that the example represents a quality or idea in a tangible form.

represent

This alternative focuses on the example being a symbol or depiction of something else.

typify

Similar to 'exemplify', but implies being a typical example of something.

show

A simple and direct alternative that means to display or reveal something.

elucidate

This alternative suggests that the example makes something clearer or easier to understand.

clarify

Similar to 'elucidate', but focuses on removing confusion or ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I use "be illustrative of" in a sentence?

The phrase "be illustrative of" is used to indicate that something serves as a good example or demonstration of a particular point or concept. For example, "This case study "is illustrative of" the challenges faced by small businesses during economic downturns."

What are some alternatives to "be illustrative of"?

Alternatives to "be illustrative of" include "serve as an example of", "exemplify", "demonstrate", and "highlight depending on the specific context and desired emphasis".

Is "be illustrative of" formal or informal?

"Be illustrative of" leans towards the formal side, often appearing in academic, scientific, and professional writing. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What does "be illustrative of" mean?

The phrase "be illustrative of" means to serve as a clear example or demonstration of something, helping to explain or highlight a particular concept, trend, or characteristic.