explanatory graphics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explanatory graphics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to visual representations that clarify or illustrate information or concepts. Example: "The report included several explanatory graphics to help readers understand the data more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

No explanatory graphics.

The Guardian

Tim Meko designs and develops maps, data visualizations and explanatory graphics.

The Washington Post

2. The Weather Shower Curtain comes with explanatory graphics; $30 from Uncommon Goods, uncommongoods.com or [phone].

The New York Times

"We call this a chyron fail because it was a fail in the chyron," or the lower explanatory graphics on the screen.

The New York Times - Sports

Arthur Gelb, a former managing editor of The Times, said Mr. Silverstein responded with a vision for opening up the design, making more creative use of typefaces, enlarging photographs, adding explanatory graphics and running fewer stories on a page.

The New York Times

Now it is the euro's turn to hold its head high and the dollar's to make feeble excuses; the sudden crisis even warranted explanatory graphics and grave-looking commentators on American network news.Gosh.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

(A White House explanatory graphic is here).

The New York Times

Although the math gets complicated, with the addition of the new bases X (chemical name d5SICS) and Y (chemical name dNaM), Romesberg approximately tripled the number of possible codons, and theoretically increased to 172 the number of different amino acids a cell could build a protein from (see this explanatory graphic).

MIT Technology Review

Fig. 2 Explanatory graphic from the November 2007 edition of Evo in the News.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

(The company blog post doesn't specifically mention mobile, but as you can see the explanatory graphic that I've pasted below, that's clearly something it has in mind).

TechCrunch

For example, using quizzes to promote knowledge retrieval, spacing practice of a given concept over time, asking students deep explanatory questions, combining graphics with verbal descriptions, and connecting abstract and concrete representations of concepts have all proved effective and complementary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explanatory graphics", ensure they are directly relevant to the text and clearly labeled to avoid ambiguity. Prioritize simplicity and clarity over complex designs.

Common error

Avoid adding excessive detail or unnecessary design elements to "explanatory graphics". The primary goal is to clarify, not to impress with artistic flair. Keep the graphics simple and focused on the key information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanatory graphics" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'explanatory' acts as an adjective modifying 'graphics'. It identifies a specific type of visual representation designed to clarify or illustrate information. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is widely used in academic, news and media, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explanatory graphics" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase referring to visual representations designed to clarify information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When incorporating such graphics, prioritize clarity and relevance to avoid overwhelming your audience. Consider alternatives like "illustrative visuals" or "informative diagrams" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

graphic explanations

Inverts the original phrase, placing emphasis on the explanation being graphic in nature.

clarifying illustrations

Underscores the act of making something clearer through visual illustrations.

illustrative visuals

Focuses on the visual aspect and its role in illustration, deviating slightly from the explicit purpose of explanation.

informative diagrams

Highlights the informational content conveyed through diagrams, emphasizing data and insights.

interpretive visuals

Focuses on visuals that aid in understanding or explaining the meaning of something.

elucidating charts

Emphasizes the charts' role in making something clear or understandable.

descriptive figures

Highlights the use of figures to provide a detailed account or representation.

instructional graphics

Suggests graphics used for teaching or instructing, which may extend beyond simple explanation.

annotated diagrams

Refers to diagrams with added notes to explain or comment on different elements.

educational visuals

Broadens the scope to visuals used for education, which might include more than just explanations.

FAQs

How can I effectively integrate "explanatory graphics" into my writing?

Ensure the graphics directly support and clarify the surrounding text. Introduce the graphic, explain its purpose, and reference specific elements within it to guide the reader's understanding. Position graphics near the relevant text for easy reference.

What are some alternatives to "explanatory graphics"?

You can use alternatives like "illustrative visuals", "informative diagrams", or "clarifying illustrations", depending on the specific context and emphasis.

What distinguishes "explanatory graphics" from purely decorative images?

"Explanatory graphics" serve a specific purpose: to clarify information or concepts. They are integral to understanding the text. Decorative images, on the other hand, are primarily aesthetic and do not contribute directly to the explanation.

How do I choose the right type of "explanatory graphics" for my content?

Consider the nature of the information you're conveying. Charts and graphs are suitable for quantitative data, diagrams are useful for processes or relationships, and maps are appropriate for geographical information. Select the visual that best represents and clarifies your message.