Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

cannot be illustrated

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be illustrated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something cannot be visually represented or depicted. Example: "The complexity of the emotions involved in this situation cannot be illustrated through simple diagrams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Most responsiveness bloopers cannot be illustrated with software screen images because they concern what happens over time.

As the power spectrum-based algorithm is a global one, it cannot be illustrated within this schematic figure.

Note that in this example some source indices cannot be illustrated because they are further down the source column (but still near row 10).

The usefulness of moving from simple frequency counts to a more complex methodology cannot be illustrated with a better example than the groundbreaking work on extending the simple "citation and backlinks to a webpage" method into a more informative measure, namely Google's PageRank [3].

Science

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, scientific ideas cannot always be illustrated through practical work or field trips, therefore, different kinds of activities are needed to represent these ideas.

In other words, Corollary 4.2 can judge what [[2], Theorem 2.1] cannot do, which may be illustrated by Example 5.2 (below).

Unfortunately, we cannot verify the pathways for pigments considered proprietary by manufacturers; however, the links of intermediates and PCB by-products can be illustrated structurally.

Wald's maximin model can be illustrated by the example of searching for an invasive species when the probability of presence of the species cannot be estimated.

Without knowledge, information cannot be accessed, which is illustrated by the phenomenon of Morbus Google in the medical domain.

Consequently, the molecular mechanisms of ion permeation and ion selection in eukaryotic Nav channels cannot be accurately illustrated from the simulations on their prokaryotic homologs.

Some topics cannot be fully illustrated in the text due to space constraints, so the annotated code will be supplied in the supplemental materials for you to try on your own.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be illustrated" when you want to emphasize the abstract or non-visual nature of a concept, making it difficult to represent through images or diagrams.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be illustrated" when a simpler phrase like "cannot be shown" or "cannot be depicted" would suffice. Choose the most direct and concise option for clarity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be illustrated" functions as a passive construction expressing the inability to visually represent something. Ludwig AI examples show its application in contexts where concepts are abstract or defy straightforward depiction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be illustrated" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the inability to visually represent something, according to Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in scientific and formal contexts, emphasizing the abstract or complex nature of the subject. While not overly frequent, its usage is appropriate when simpler alternatives like "cannot be shown" or "cannot be depicted" do not fully capture the meaning. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing.

FAQs

What does "cannot be illustrated" mean?

The phrase "cannot be illustrated" means that something is impossible or very difficult to represent visually, either through drawings, diagrams, or other forms of visual media.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be illustrated"?

It's appropriate when describing abstract concepts, complex processes, or subjective experiences that don't lend themselves easily to visual representation.

What are some alternatives to "cannot be illustrated"?

Alternatives include "cannot be shown", "cannot be depicted", or "cannot be visualized", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "cannot be illustrated" and "cannot be explained"?

"Cannot be illustrated" implies a difficulty in visual representation, while "cannot be explained" suggests a difficulty in verbal or written communication. The choice depends on whether the limitation lies in visual or explanatory methods.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: