illustrate using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illustrate using" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or demonstrate a concept or idea by providing examples or visual representations. Example: "To clarify the concept of gravity, I will illustrate using diagrams and real-life examples."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I will illustrate using a fictitious oil company, OilCo, with a controlling stockholder, Mikhail.

Harvard University

Our first key result is an incentive bound that uses information about average (not worst-case) performance of an algorithm, which we illustrate using combinatorial auction data.

Decision Support Systems

The mind and the world, as Wood defines them, are dependable, fixed phenomena, for the most part, possessed of natural, intrinsic qualities that fiction writers in their ink-stained lab coats measure, prod, explore and seek to illustrate using a rather limited range of instruments that can be endlessly adjusted.

The New York Times - Books

These include methods for generating ontologies and relational-to-RDF mappings for relational databases, which we illustrate using the FlyBase Chado database schema; and methods for mapping gene identifiers between databases.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

We illustrate, using Wason's [Q. J. Exp. Psychol. 20 (1968) 273] selection task, how better empirical cognitive investigations and theories can be built directly on logical accounts when this imbalance is redressed.

Cognitive Science

I call this the COW model on the analytics of climate adaptation, which I illustrate using grounded theory in the case of the 400-year old zangjera irrigation societies in Northern Philippines.

Environmental Science & Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This is illustrated using a V-groove.

Columbia University

This was illustrated using Ahr and Nrf2 pathways.

Nature

Here, this is illustrated using a V-groove.

Columbia University

The concept is illustrated using two models from biology.

University of California, Berkeley

The approach is illustrated using field examples.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose examples that are easily understandable and relatable to your target audience. Complex or niche examples may not effectively "illustrate using" the concept for everyone.

Common error

A common mistake is using examples that are not universally understood or that require prior knowledge. When you "illustrate using" an example, make sure it's accessible and well-explained, to avoid alienating or confusing your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illustrate using" functions as a verb phrase introducing an example or method to clarify a concept. As supported by Ludwig, it connects an abstract idea to a concrete representation, making the idea more understandable. The phrase indicates that what follows will serve as a visual or practical explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

30%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illustrate using" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to introduce an example that clarifies a point. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly used in scientific and academic contexts, it provides a formal means of linking abstract concepts to concrete examples. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "demonstrate using", it effectively serves its purpose of aiding comprehension through visual or practical illustration. When writing, make sure to choose examples understandable for your target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate using

This is a more direct and slightly more concise alternative, omitting the word "illustrate".

demonstrate by example

This alternative uses a more concise phrasing, replacing "illustrate using" with a direct indication of showing something through an example.

show by employing

This alternative replaces "illustrate" with "show", emphasizing the act of using something to demonstrate a point.

exemplify with

This phrase uses a slightly more formal tone and focuses on providing a representative example.

explain with instances

This phrase directly focuses on using specific occurrences to make a point clearer.

showcase through

This alternative emphasizes highlighting or presenting something in an advantageous way.

present through

This focuses on conveying information or ideas using a particular method or example.

clarify by means of

This option presents a more formal and explanatory approach to the illustration.

elucidate via

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes making something clear and easy to understand through a particular method.

portray by way of

This suggests depicting or representing something to illustrate a point.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "illustrate using" in a sentence?

To effectively use "illustrate using", ensure your example directly clarifies the concept. For instance, "To explain the concept of supply and demand, I will "illustrate using" a simple graph showing price fluctuations with varying quantities."

What are some alternatives to "illustrate using" that I can use in my writing?

Alternatives include "demonstrate with", "exemplify by", or "explain through". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it more appropriate to use "illustrate using" or "demonstrate using"?

Both "illustrate using" and "demonstrate using" are acceptable. "Illustrate" often implies a visual or figurative representation, while "demonstrate" suggests proving something through action or example. Choose the word that best fits the context of your explanation.

Can "illustrate using" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "illustrate using" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or technical contexts where examples are used to clarify complex ideas. However, in very formal contexts, you might also consider alternatives like "exemplify with" for a slightly more elevated tone.