illustrate how this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illustrate how this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to explain or demonstrate a particular concept, process, or idea in detail. Example: "In this section, I will illustrate how this method improves efficiency in our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some cite the case of Rainer E. Gut to illustrate how this can work.

The New York Times

What happens in the aftermath of surgery helps illustrate how this works.

The Washington Post

The experiences of a major global manufacturer we advised illustrate how this works.

Harvard Business Review

Alfred P. Sloan's actions at General Motors illustrate how this process works in situations of conflict.

Harvard Business Review

One derived useful relations and used simulated examples to illustrate how this method can be applied.

Electrochimica Acta

We go on to illustrate how this combined perspective affects results from previous studies.

University of California, Berkeley

Groups will work together to create a pilot magazine to illustrate how this audience will be reached.

The New York Times

Now let me show you a chart that I've had drawn to illustrate how this can be.

The New York Times

A familiar example may help to illustrate how this works; I call it "restaurant syndrome". A new restaurant opens.

Harvard Business Review

Examples are given to illustrate how this group procedure behaves for small sample sizes.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

A case study is presented to illustrate how this new tool can be utilised.

Environmental Modelling & Software

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "illustrate how this", ensure your explanation or example directly relates to the preceding statement to maintain clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "illustrate how this" as a mere placeholder. Always follow up with a concrete example, a detailed explanation, or a step-by-step guide to make the illustration meaningful.

Linguistic Context

"Illustrate how this" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing an explanation or example that clarifies a preceding statement. It signals to the audience that further clarification is coming. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illustrate how this" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce clarifying examples or explanations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in written English. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various contexts, including scientific, journalistic, and business communications. While highly prevalent, ensure sufficient detail follows its usage to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "demonstrate how this" or "explain how this works" can be used for variety, but the core function remains consistent: to enhance understanding through clear illustration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate how this works

Replaces "illustrate" with "demonstrate" focusing on the functionality.

show how this functions

Substitutes "illustrate" with "show" and "this" with "functions" for a more technical feel.

explain how this operates

Uses "explain" instead of "illustrate", focusing on the operational aspect.

provide an example of this

Shifts the focus to providing a specific instance rather than a general explanation.

give a demonstration of this

Similar to 'provide an example', but emphasizes the act of demonstrating.

clarify this process

Focuses on making the process easier to understand.

elucidate this matter

Offers a more formal way to explain the subject.

shed light on this

Emphasizes revealing or making something clearer.

walk through this

Implies a step-by-step explanation.

break down this

Suggests simplifying a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts.

FAQs

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

Use "illustrate how this" to introduce an example or explanation that clarifies a previous statement. For instance, "The company implemented a new strategy; let's "illustrate how this" improved their profit margins."

What are some alternatives to "illustrate how this"?

Alternatives include "demonstrate how this", "show how this works", or "provide an example of this", depending on the specific context.

Is "illustrate how this" formal or informal?

"Illustrate how this" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the specific audience.

Can "illustrate how this" be used to explain a process?

Yes, "illustrate how this" is commonly used to explain processes. For example, "The software automates data entry; to "illustrate how this" works, let's walk through a typical use case."