chief illustration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief illustration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary or most significant example of something, often in a discussion or analysis. Example: "The chief illustration of the impact of climate change can be seen in the melting polar ice caps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His chief illustration had to do with pig-iron handlers, men who moved large pieces of iron all day.

The New Yorker

And, with the lure of European Union membership, Hungarians and Romanians are treating their minorities much better; the Slovak government, alas, is not so gentle.The chief illustration of a country whose short-sighted and prickly nationalism nourishes a belief that devolution is but a slippery slope to separation is Turkey.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is a book with a format almost as clever as that of "The Lincolns" (Barry Denenberg is given credit as chief writer; the illustrations are by Christopher Bing).

The New York Times - Books

If anything, the mixed message from the Homeland Security chief served as an illustration of the still very tenuous progress that has been made in securing the United States against terrorism.

The New York Times

His chief importance lies in book illustration, the standard of which he helped greatly to raise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to Harris' poster, the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge commissioned two more abstract illustrations from their Chief Graphics Technician, Amanda J. Smith.

Vice

Illustration by Joost Swarte Erin Overbey is the chief archivist of The New Yorker.

The New Yorker

The Guardian's editor in chief, Alan Rusbridger, said the "kidnapping is another illustration of the dangers facing journalists trying to report in many difficult parts of the world".

The New York Times

The book's chief attraction is Twingley's sketchbook of illustrations, whose broad outsider-art strokes work in concert with Ollie's naïve ruminations.

The New York Times - Books

"This is a perfect illustration of what we lost," said Jon Greenbaum, chief counsel for the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Los Angeles Times

He and David Reisner, cofounder and chief executive of Inframat, are among the few Caucasians here–a small illustration of what you might call insourcing.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chief illustration" to introduce a particularly strong or representative example that clarifies a complex concept or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "chief illustration" when a simpler phrase like "main example" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where you need to emphasize the representativeness or importance of the example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief illustration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving to introduce or identify the most important or representative example of something. This can be observed in Ludwig's examples, where it's used to highlight a significant instance or demonstration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief illustration" is a noun phrase used to highlight the most representative or significant example of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is found in reputable sources such as The New Yorker and The Economist. It tends to appear in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While it is grammatically sound, simpler alternatives like "primary example" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. The selection of the most apt phrasing should be guided by the desired emphasis and degree of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary example

Focuses on the concept of being the main or most important instance.

main illustration

Highlights the illustration that serves as the principal or central point.

key example

Emphasizes the importance of the example being provided.

leading instance

Suggests that the example is at the forefront or most prominent.

principal demonstration

Refers to the main way in which something is shown or proven.

central depiction

Indicates the core or most important visual representation.

foremost portrayal

Highlights the most important way in which something is represented.

significant instance

Emphasizes the importance of the example being cited.

prime showcase

Suggests the example is the best or most typical way of presenting something.

major representation

Focuses on the example as a significant way something is shown or understood.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief illustration" to introduce the most important or representative example. For instance, "The "chief illustration" of the theory's success is its application in the field of medicine".

What are some alternatives to "chief illustration"?

Alternatives include "primary example", "main illustration", or "key example", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "chief illustration" instead of "main example"?

"Chief illustration" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize that the example is not only important but also representative or typical of a broader trend or concept, whereas "main example" simply highlights the most important instance.

Is "chief illustration" a formal way to express an example?

Yes, "chief illustration" leans towards a more formal register. In more casual settings, phrases like "main example" or "key example" might be more suitable.