give an illustration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give an illustration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide an example or a visual representation to clarify a point or concept. Example: "To better understand the concept of gravity, let me give an illustration of how it affects falling objects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In Figure 4 we give an illustration of a -bit APQ. Figure 4 An illustration of a b-bit APQ in the phase domain, where Q w,j, 1,…2b b denotes the jth quantization interval with width ξ, and offset angle φ w *.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Let me give an illustration.

The Guardian - Books

Can you give an illustration?

The Guardian - Books

"We were told that they wanted to give an illustration of the free flow of ideas in a democracy," he said.

The New York Times

Ought we, for instance (to give an illustration of what I mean), to begin by discussing each separate species-man, lion, ox, and the like-taking each kind in hand inde.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To give an illustration simultaneously of the power of ideology and Texas' influence, Barber told me that when he led the social-studies division at Prentice Hall, one conservative member of the board told him that the 12th-grade book, "Magruder's American Government," would not be approved because it repeatedly referred to the U.S. Constitution as a "living" document.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A member of the audience gave an illustration of the limits of a postcapitalist market exchange system in her neighbourhood.

The Guardian

The French nuclear fleet gives an illustration of flexible management while social acceptance of nuclear is questioned; this was reflected in the new French Energy Transition law.

Energy

Then Holtby gave an illustration of the deep respect for detail, for pride in hockey craftsmanship, that the Caps so often and so infuriatingly have lacked in past.

The Washington Post

In his book In the Plex, Steven Levy (no relation to the director) gives an illustration of what life on campus entails.

The Guardian - Film

This article presents the main principles of this approach, which is based on the residence time distribution (RTD) theory, commonly used in chemical engineering, and gives an illustration of its potential extension to ventilation problems.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give an illustration", ensure the illustration directly and clearly supports the point you're making. Avoid overly complex or ambiguous examples.

Common error

Avoid using illustrations that are more complex than the concept they're meant to explain. Simplicity and direct relevance are key to effective illustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give an illustration" serves as an introductory phrase, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to provide an example to clarify a point. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give an illustration" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to introduce an example or depiction, as noted by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, making it a versatile choice for clarifying complex ideas. While other options exist, such as "provide a demonstration" or "offer an example", "give an illustration" is a direct and clear way to signal the intent to clarify a point through a concrete instance. The key is to ensure the illustration is simple and relevant to avoid confusing the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer an example

Uses "offer" instead of "give", indicating a slightly more formal tone and suggesting a deliberate presentation of the example.

provide a demonstration

Replaces "illustration" with "demonstration", implying a more hands-on or practical showing of the concept.

present a case

Suggests a more structured and reasoned approach, where the example serves as evidence for a particular argument.

show a representation

Focuses on the visual aspect of the illustration, highlighting the act of displaying something.

offer a depiction

Similar to "show a representation", but emphasizes the artistic or descriptive quality of the illustration.

furnish a scenario

Implies a hypothetical or constructed situation to explain a concept.

cite an instance

More formal and academic, focusing on referencing a specific occurrence.

detail a situation

Highlights the thoroughness and descriptive nature of the example being given.

share an anecdote

Suggests a personal or narrative example, often used to make a point more relatable.

paint a picture

Uses figurative language to suggest creating a vivid mental image for the audience.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "give an illustration" in a sentence?

You can use "give an illustration" to introduce a concrete example that clarifies an abstract concept. For example, "To understand how supply and demand works, let me "give an illustration" with the price of gasoline."

Are there formal alternatives to "give an illustration"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "offer an example", "provide a demonstration", or "present a case". These options are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

How does "give an illustration" differ from "give an example"?

While similar, "give an illustration" often implies a more detailed or visual representation, whereas "give an example" can be a simpler, more straightforward instance.

When should I use "give an illustration" instead of "show an illustration"?

"Give an illustration" focuses on the act of providing or presenting the illustration, while "show an illustration" emphasizes the visual aspect. Use "give" when you're introducing the example, and "show" when you're directing attention to a visual aid.