illustrates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "illustrates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain an example that serves to clarify an idea or make a point. For example, "The professor illustrated his point with a diagram."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, as Kauder Nalebuff's book illustrates, this is a subject long mired in shame and confusion – there are girls who know nothing about periods until their first one arrives, and assume it is a sign of impending death.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Washington also illustrates that shadows, like buildings themselves, are relative.

The Guardian

We'd like you to share a picture that best sums up your PhD journey – something that either illustrates the research you're doing or how you feel.

The Guardian

Gaël Clichy's meek defending when James Perch scored Wigan's second probably illustrates why Pellegrini prefers Aleksander Kolarov, who is not immune to the odd dicey moment, while Joleon Lescott, making a rare appearance, was also shaky.

The Guardian - Sport

The final report from the Independent Panel on Forestry, for example, illustrates the build-up of diseases such as Asian longhorn beetle in broadleaved trees, Cryphonectria parasitica on sweet chestnut, oak processionary moth, acute oak decline, and other fungal diseases on a range of trees.

The Guardian

Although trivial, I believe my experience clearly illustrates how financial organisations like NatWest have exploited the hard-working, responsible earner; abused the trust that was placed in them; creamed off the handsome profits that came as a result of their irresponsible lending; and now try to make themselves out to be "responsible" at the expense of the people who have fed them.

The Guardian - Money

A case involving the alleged rape of five mentally handicapped girls at Mumbai care home Kalyani Mahila V Balak Seva Sanstha in March grimly illustrates this.

The Guardian

And, of course, it does one other important thing – it illustrates all too graphically the worst of the west's hypocrisies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maputo beach on the outskirts of Mozambique's capital illustrates this in many ways.

The Guardian - Travel

However, the passion demonstrated by the protesters before things turned nasty illustrates how important the union flag and Belfast's city hall continue to be, symbolically linking the rest of the UnK to swaths of unionists and loyalists in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian - Opinion

From page one he illustrates with visceral reminders of the unfair world we live in: he begins with the Marikana mining massacre and he never lets up.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "illustrates" to introduce examples that clearly support or clarify a point you are making. This helps to strengthen your argument and make it more understandable for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "illustrates" to introduce examples that are not directly relevant or do not strongly support your point. Ensure the example genuinely clarifies or reinforces your argument; otherwise, it weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "illustrates" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It is used to indicate that something serves as an example or clarification, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "illustrates" is a versatile verb commonly used to introduce examples that clarify or support a point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media sources but also appears in Formal & Business and Scientific contexts. When writing, use "illustrates" to strengthen your arguments with relevant examples. Alternatives like "demonstrates" or "exemplifies" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The key is to ensure that the examples you introduce with "illustrates" genuinely support and clarify your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrates

Focuses more on proving something through evidence rather than simply showing it.

exemplifies

Highlights something as a perfect example of a particular quality or type.

shows

A more general term for making something visible or clear.

clarifies

Emphasizes the act of making something easier to understand.

elucidates

Brings light to and explains a complex subject.

highlights

Draws attention to a specific aspect or detail.

portrays

Depicts something in a particular way, often used in artistic or descriptive contexts.

represents

Acts as a symbol or embodiment of something else.

indicates

Suggests something as a likely possibility or fact.

embodies

Gives a tangible or concrete form to an abstract idea or concept.

FAQs

How to use "illustrates" in a sentence?

Use "illustrates" to introduce an example that clarifies or supports a point, such as, "This case perfectly "illustrates" that as long as criminal libel laws remain on the books, the risk of their abuse remains."

What can I say instead of "illustrates"?

You can use alternatives like "demonstrates", "exemplifies", or "shows" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "illustrates" or "illustration"?

"Illustrates" is a verb, indicating an action of showing or clarifying something. "Illustration" is a noun, referring to a picture or example. The correct choice depends on the grammatical function needed in your sentence.

What's the difference between "illustrates" and "represents"?

"Illustrates" provides a specific example to clarify an idea, while "represents" acts as a symbol or stands in for something more broadly. For example, "This chart "illustrates" the data trends", versus "The dove "represents" peace".