diagram

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "diagram" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a chart or drawing that explains or clarifies something. For example, "The diagram showed the layout of the new office building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a hypothetical Venn diagram, one circle representing extremist Christians and the other fundamentalist capitalists, the lens-shaped overlap contains Sam Brownback, the newly re-elected governor of Kansas.

The Guardian

She could include interviews, a diagram of female reproductive organs, an ode to alternative sanitary products.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," he says now, then draws a diagram in my notepad to show where he was sitting that night and exactly what happened after Cantona was sent off.

The Guardian - Sport

If you drew a Venn diagram, people who are worried about rape in the "real world" would doubtless overlap significantly with people who are concerned about the portrayal of fictional rape; nor are they wrong to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not a diagram with much overlapping, to be sure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A blunt diagram of the bloated brief, this additional world of shopping and eating, drinking and entertaining, is packed into a 90-metre-long "liner" that marches alongside Waterloo bridge, as well as stuffed into part of the evocative undercroft space.

The Guardian - Arts

With that many ersatz neurons available, researchers can afford to take another cue from the brain and organise them in distinct, hierarchical layers (see diagram).

The Economist

Mr Durant says he saw a flow diagram published recently showing the steps to going public.

The Economist

Glen Newton, a software developer in Canada, has done a splendid job of disentangling some of the elements by way of a so-called "Sankey diagram" of Canada's energy flows.

The Economist

Just think how difficult it would be to teach somebody to tie a shoelace or to fold an origami object by using words alone, without a diagram or a demonstration.

The Economist

Audio and Video content on Economist.com requires a browser that can handle iFrames.Our interactive diagram above shows the outcome of general elections since 1997, including the 2015 result.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex system or process, use a "diagram" to visually represent the relationships between different components. This can greatly enhance understanding and clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply including a "diagram" without providing sufficient context or explanation. Always ensure that the diagram is clearly labeled and that the key elements are explained in the accompanying text.

Linguistic Context

The word "diagram" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a visual representation of information. It can also function as a verb, meaning to represent something using a diagram. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing numerous examples where "diagram" serves to clarify complex relationships and structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diagram" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote a visual representation that clarifies complex information. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals it functions to simplify and aid understanding across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its formality is neutral, its impact is significant in enhancing communication. Remember to use "diagrams" effectively by providing sufficient context and explanation to maximize their value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schematic representation

Replaces "diagram" with a more formal and technical term, emphasizing the structured and simplified nature of the representation.

visual representation

Focuses on the visual aspect of the diagram, suitable when the emphasis is on seeing the information.

graphical illustration

Highlights the illustrative nature of the diagram, implying a clear and explanatory purpose.

chart

A simpler and more general term, suitable when the visual representation is less detailed or technical.

plot

Implies a visual representation of data points, often used in mathematical or statistical contexts.

figure

A general term for any visual element, including diagrams, charts, and illustrations.

blueprint

Suggests a detailed plan or design, often used in engineering or architectural contexts.

layout

Focuses on the arrangement of elements within a space or system, often used in design contexts.

flowchart

Specifies a type of diagram that represents a process or workflow, often used in business or software development.

mind map

Describes a diagram used for organizing thoughts and ideas, often used in brainstorming or note-taking.

FAQs

How to use "diagram" in a sentence?

You can use "diagram" to refer to a visual representation of information. For example, "The instruction manual includes a "diagram" of the product's assembly."

What can I say instead of "diagram"?

Alternatives include "schematic", "chart", or "graph", depending on the type of visual representation.

Which is correct, "diagram of" or "diagram for"?

"Diagram of" is generally used to indicate what the diagram represents, while "diagram for" is used to indicate the purpose of the diagram. For example, "a diagram of the heart" versus "a diagram for assembling the furniture".

What's the difference between a "diagram" and a "graph"?

A "diagram" is a general visual representation of information, while a "graph" is a specific type of diagram that represents data points and their relationships.