descriptive illustration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "descriptive illustration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an image or diagram that provides detailed information or explanation about a subject. Example: "The textbook includes a descriptive illustration of the human circulatory system, making it easier for students to understand the flow of blood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fig. 3 Descriptive illustration of 54 evaluated maxillary sinuses.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Following a descriptive illustration of tracking outcomes using the TIES Survey, the article will focus on young people's accounts on their parents' role during the tracking experience.

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rather surprisingly, it carries sweetly descriptive illustrations by Christine Christoforou.

The Guardian - Books

Young children won't need much more than the simple, descriptive text and tawny illustrations here to invoke the cinnamony delight of apple-centric baked goods.

The New York Times - Books

The classic ballet : basic technique and terminology / historical development by Lincoln Kirstein ; descriptive text by Muriel Stuart ; illustrations by Carlus Dyer ; preface by George Balanchine.

WikiHow

Like the movies, video games can include elements drawn from older media — plot, character, animation, music, illustration, dialogue, even descriptive and expository writing — without being ruled by them.

The New York Times - Arts

The story was shortened by cutting some descriptive passages and allowing the illustrations to convey the setting.

Wikipedia

Popular guides that follow this pattern include few, if any, illustrations in their descriptive sections.

AoB PLANTS

The descriptive morphology is thorough, the illustrations are precise, the interpretations appear to be sound, and the conclusions are justified.

F1000Research

The charts in this section are groupings of the black and white leaf illustrations from the descriptive section, printed with the scientific name of the species and the page number where the images are found.

AoB PLANTS

The manuscript is well-written and nicely presented, with a good balance of descriptive text and discourse and practical illustration of package usage.

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "descriptive illustration", ensure the illustration genuinely adds detail and clarity to the accompanying text. A good descriptive illustration enhances understanding, not just decorates the content.

Common error

Avoid using "descriptive illustration" as a crutch for weak writing. The text should stand on its own; the illustration should only augment understanding, not replace clear and concise prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "descriptive illustration" functions as a noun phrase, where "descriptive" modifies the noun "illustration". It refers to an illustration that provides a detailed explanation or representation of something. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in both scientific and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "descriptive illustration" is a noun phrase used to refer to an illustration that provides detailed information or explanation about a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives such as "detailed illustration" or "explanatory illustration" exist, the key is to ensure that the illustration effectively enhances understanding and doesn't merely serve as decoration. Remember to balance textual explanation with visual aids for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illustrative description

Reverses the order of the words while keeping the meaning largely intact.

detailed illustration

Emphasizes the level of detail in the illustration.

explanatory illustration

Highlights the illustration's purpose to explain something.

graphic depiction

Uses 'depiction' to mean illustration; 'graphic' implies a visual representation.

visual explanation

Focuses on the visual aspect of the explanation.

illustrative portrayal

Uses 'portrayal' as a synonym for illustration, suggesting a representation.

visual representation

A broader term that encompasses any visual form representing information.

diagrammatic description

Combines a visual and textual element.

informative graphic

Stresses the informational quality of the graphic.

explanatory diagram

Focuses on diagrams used for explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "descriptive illustration" to refer to an image that clarifies or elaborates on a concept. For instance, "The report included a "descriptive illustration" of the proposed system architecture."

What are some alternatives to "descriptive illustration"?

Some alternatives include "detailed illustration", "explanatory illustration", or "visual explanation" depending on the specific context.

Is "descriptive illustration" formal or informal?

"Descriptive illustration" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in academic, scientific, or technical writing.

What is the purpose of a "descriptive illustration"?

The purpose of a "descriptive illustration" is to provide a visual representation that enhances the understanding of complex information, processes, or objects. It aims to clarify and elaborate on the text, making it more accessible to the audience.