by illustrating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by illustrating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to explain or clarify a point by providing an example or visual representation. Example: "The author enhances the reader's understanding of the concept by illustrating it with a detailed diagram."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Translating carbon reduction goals into the language of business metrics by illustrating the value added.

The Guardian

By illustrating the human rights case for their work they attracted help from cosmetics company Lush.

The Guardian

By illustrating their suffering so clearly, his maps made it impossible to ignore.

The New York Times - Arts

He supported himself by illustrating comic valentines and calisthenics books and by drawing for Vanity Fair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But by illustrating her stories, she said, she found a way to tell them without letting rage take over.

The New York Times - Books

I'm not doing this to nitpick; rather to prepare you for Baudelaire by illustrating the difficulties of translating him.

The Guardian - Books

"Our Daily Meds" begins by illustrating the established drug-company practices that have led to this sorry juncture.

The New York Times - Books

The BBC Web site Dimensions (Howbigreally.com) animates historic events by illustrating their effect on satellite maps of familiar areas.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Postol explained the difference by illustrating what could happen if a few tiles failed on the shuttle in two cases.

The New York Times

However, you do not, in my opinion, sufficiently prove this point, and at times you go off in a tangent by illustrating too many examples.

The New Yorker

And had a TV programme done what the Mail did by illustrating that story with those pictures, Ofcom would almost certainly have found against it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by illustrating" to provide a concrete example that clarifies an abstract concept or idea. This enhances understanding and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "by illustrating" when no tangible example is provided. Ensure that you actually present a clear instance or visual representation to support your point. Otherwise, consider alternatives like "by explaining" or "by describing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by illustrating" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a method of clarification. It modifies a verb, indicating how something is being explained or demonstrated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and serves to provide concrete examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by illustrating" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific example that clarifies a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to enhance understanding by providing concrete instances. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in science and news media. When using "by illustrating", ensure you provide a tangible example. Alternatives include "by demonstrating" or "by explaining" if a specific instance isn't provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by demonstrating

Focuses on showing how something works or is done, emphasizing practical evidence.

by showing

A more general term indicating the act of presenting or displaying something.

by explaining

Emphasizes providing reasons or justifications to clarify a concept.

by exemplifying

Highlights the use of a specific instance or example to clarify a broader point.

by depicting

Highlights representing something visually or verbally, focusing on portrayal.

by presenting

Focuses on formally introducing or displaying information or evidence.

by outlining

Stresses providing a summary or a structural overview, focusing on key elements.

by revealing

Emphasizes uncovering or disclosing something previously unknown or hidden.

by justifying

Focuses on giving reasons or evidence to support a claim or action.

by indicating

Highlights pointing out or suggesting something, often subtly.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "by illustrating" in a sentence?

Use "by illustrating" to introduce a specific example or visual representation that clarifies a preceding statement. This makes your explanation more concrete and easier to understand.

What are some alternatives to "by illustrating"?

You can use alternatives such as "by demonstrating", "by explaining", or "by depicting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "by illustrating" formal or informal?

"By illustrating" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives depending on the specific type of illustration you are providing.

How does "by illustrating" differ from "by describing"?

"By illustrating" implies providing a specific example or visual, whereas "by describing" involves giving a detailed account or explanation. Use "by illustrating" when you want to offer a concrete instance to support your point.