explanatory diagram

USAGE SUMMARY

"explanatory diagram" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a diagram or picture used to explain a concept, process, or idea. For example: "An explanatory diagram was used to demonstrate the process of photosynthesis to the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Each hole has an explanatory diagram plaque, but most fall far short of conveying the treachery of the hazards.

The New York Times

When he draws an explanatory diagram of the chitin molecule — chitin is the principal component of mycelium, the white, rootlike vegetative structure of fungi — he bends over his work, then looks up earnestly to see if his hearer has understood.

The New Yorker

While in China he wrote his major work, An Explanatory Diagram on the Garland World System, which elicited high acclaim from his master and is still read widely in the Buddhist circles of East Asia.

Britannica

When he draws an explanatory diagram of the chitin molecule chitin is the principal component of mycelium, the white, rootlike vegetative structure of fungi he bends over his work, then looks up earnestly to see if his hearer has understood.

The New Yorker

The surveyor general thereupon made a contract for the work with Elkins and Marmon, and the commissioner of the general land-office, in approving this contract, gave his own directions as to how these boundaries should be located, and furnished for the guidance of the surveyors an explanatory diagram.

Cornell University

An explanatory diagram is shown in Fig. 3.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Arthur Lockwood's Diagrams (1969) introduced a compelling range of statistical and explanatory diagrams and maps, and Edward Tufte's more recent books (1997, 2001), for example, contained beautiful, intriguing and often complex examples of information visualisations across time and place.

Nature

Illustrated with both photographs and explanatory diagrams, this expert and inviting tour of the social world of animals will inform and charm anyone curious about the motivations behind the amazing range of activity in the animal kingdom.

Harvard University

One of the most singular figures in US cinema, Carruth made a mind-bending debut in 2004 called Primer, a no-budget, time-machine story that looped itself into vertiginous narrative fractals, and sparked a whole online subculture of explanatory diagrams.

Independent

Every few pages, there's a hilariously inventive piece of cartooning, like a series of drawings of "fancy pigeons" that start out looking almost convincing and end as horrifying abstractions of feathers and eyes, or a set of deadpan explanatory diagrams that dissolve into gibberish on examination (a caption for a drawing of a beetle: "Dangerous. Unite to form Devastator. There is no you").

The New York Times - Books

Helped by lots of colour photographs and explanatory diagrams, charts and maps, this is a splendid, fact-packed read"...

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explanatory diagram", ensure the diagram is clear, well-labeled, and directly supports the explanation you are providing. A poorly designed diagram can confuse readers rather than clarify the information.

Common error

Avoid including too much information in your "explanatory diagram". Focus on the key elements that support your explanation. Too much detail can overwhelm the viewer and defeat the purpose of the diagram.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanatory diagram" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of visual representation intended to clarify or explain a particular concept or process. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explanatory diagram" is a noun phrase used to describe a visual representation designed to clarify information. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in English. It's commonly found in scientific, academic, and news contexts, and less so in encyclopedias, formal business settings, and social media. Several alternative phrases, such as "illustrative chart" and "descriptive illustration", can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. When employing an "explanatory diagram", clarity and relevance are key to effectively communicating complex ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanatory illustration

A very close alternative, only replacing the word "diagram" with "illustration".

illustrative chart

This alternative uses "chart" instead of "diagram" emphasizing the visual representation of data or information.

descriptive illustration

Swaps "explanatory" with "descriptive" and "diagram" with "illustration", emphasizing the visual and descriptive nature.

elucidating figure

Uses more formal language, replacing "explanatory" with "elucidating" and "diagram" with "figure".

informative graphic

Replaces "explanatory" with "informative" and "diagram" with "graphic", focusing on the informational aspect of the visual.

clarifying schematic

Uses "clarifying" instead of "explanatory" and "schematic" in place of "diagram", highlighting the simplification aspect of the visual.

interpretive visual

Emphasizes the role of the diagram in aiding interpretation, using "interpretive" and "visual" as substitutes.

instructive graphic

Swaps "explanatory" with "instructive" focusing on the teaching or guidance aspect of the visual.

revealing depiction

Replaces "explanatory" with "revealing" and "diagram" with "depiction", highlighting the aspect of uncovering or showing something.

detailed drawing

Focuses on the level of detail in the visual, substituting with "detailed" and "drawing".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "explanatory diagram" in a sentence?

Use "explanatory diagram" to introduce a visual aid that clarifies a complex concept. For example, "The report includes an "explanatory diagram" illustrating the steps in the manufacturing process."

What are some alternatives to using "explanatory diagram"?

You can use alternatives such as "illustrative chart", "descriptive illustration", or "elucidating figure depending on the context and the level of formality required.

In what contexts is the term "explanatory diagram" most appropriate?

The term "explanatory diagram" is suitable in academic, scientific, and technical contexts where visual aids are used to simplify complex information. It's also appropriate in news and media when explaining events or processes.

What makes an "explanatory diagram" effective?

An effective "explanatory diagram" is clear, concise, and directly relevant to the explanation it supports. It should be well-labeled, easy to understand, and avoid unnecessary complexity. The diagram should simplify the information, not complicate it.