illustrate how

USAGE SUMMARY

"illustrate how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something by providing an example or a visual representation. For example, "Illustrate how photosynthesis works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other documents illustrate how the agency misled.

The New Yorker

They illustrate how volatile North Sea revenues can be.

The Guardian - Business

They do, however, illustrate how actions afar can impact others.

The Guardian - Opinion

These struggles illustrate how the stakes have risen since 1999.

The New York Times

They also illustrate how important the tests can be.

The New York Times - Health

To illustrate how he works, Carsen talks about Der Rosenkavalier.

The Guardian - Music

"The election results illustrate how far we need to go.

The Guardian - Opinion

His troubles mainly illustrate how unused Britons are to coalitions.

The Economist

That fact may illustrate how stigmatized these diseases remain.

The New York Times

Mayer-Schönberger presents two very different real-life scenarios to illustrate how algorithms are being used.

The Guardian

Figures illustrate how many commuters are in each station and the waiting times.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "illustrate how", ensure your example or explanation is clear and directly relevant to the point you're making. Use visuals or concrete examples whenever possible to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using examples that are too complex or abstract, which can confuse readers rather than clarifying your point. Always check that the illustration directly supports and illuminates your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illustrate how" functions as a connector used to introduce an example, explanation, or visual representation that clarifies a process, method, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to explain something by providing an example or a visual representation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "illustrate how" is a grammatically sound and frequently used connector that enhances clarity by introducing examples or visual representations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to explain a concept through concrete instances. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Scientific domains, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing "illustrate how", ensure the examples are clear and directly relevant to maximize comprehension. By avoiding complex or abstract illustrations, you can effectively illuminate your argument. Remember, this phrase is a powerful tool for making abstract ideas more tangible and accessible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give an illustration of how

Stresses the act of giving an illustrative instance.

demonstrate the way

Focuses on showing the method or manner in which something happens.

provide an example of how

Highlights the use of an example to clarify the process.

show how it works

Emphasizes the practical functioning of something.

explain the manner in which

Focuses on detailing the method or way something is done.

clarify the process by which

Highlights the act of making the process clearer.

elucidate how this functions

Emphasizes making the function clearer and more understandable.

detail the mechanism by which

Focuses on giving a detailed description of the mechanism.

present a case study to show

Involves using a specific case to demonstrate a point.

outline the steps to

Focuses on presenting a structured sequence of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "illustrate how" in a sentence?

Use "illustrate how" to introduce an example or explanation that demonstrates a process, function, or concept. For instance, "This example will illustrate how the new policy affects employees."

What are some alternatives to "illustrate how"?

You can use alternatives like "demonstrate the way", "show how it works", or "provide an example of how" to vary your writing.

Is there a difference between "illustrate how" and "explain how"?

"Illustrate how" typically involves providing an example or visual to clarify something, while "explain how" focuses more on providing a detailed description or reason. Both are similar, but "illustrate how" has a stronger emphasis on concrete examples.

What makes a good illustration when using "illustrate how"?

A good illustration is clear, relevant, and easily understood. It should directly support the point you're making and help your audience grasp the concept more effectively. It also helps to ensure that the illustration is accurate and reliable.