illustration

USAGE SUMMARY

'illustration' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a picture or diagram that is used to make a point, explain a concept, or visualize information. For example, "I found a helpful illustration in the book that clearly explained the scientific process".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lawn laughs softly at the memory, an illustration of how this lifelong fan, whose first match was a 3-0 win over Southport in 1964, is retaining perspective despite a desperately trying period for him, his wife, Yvonne, and their five children.

The Guardian - Sport

The book also includes the illustration of a lone wolf with an unhinged look and a hint of slaver round its chops, most likely based on the sole wolf specimen that he held in his collection.

The Guardian

It is a striking illustration of how fast the Middle Eastern landscape is changing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mu Tucker One of the most familiar names in Indian cartooning and illustration is Mario Miranda and here there are thousands of his cartoons chronicling daily life in India.

The Guardian - Travel

Medical illustration developed hand-in-brush with the disciplines and methods of easel painting, so it's no surprise to see here the same stippling and chiaroscuro that, in other contexts, would be used to make the sylvan silvery or the steed puissant.

The Guardian - Arts

Anyone looking for a neat illustration of the cyclical workings of a successful British fashion brand needed only look to the front row at Luella Bartley's show today.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This bears a happy resemblance to Donovan's illustration – see how that front left forepaw is cocked – supporting the idea that Lever's wolf and Donovan's wolf are one and the same.

The Guardian

One of those who admired it was a young Italian, Romaldo Giurgola, who saw an illustration of the Canberra plan on a classroom wall in Rome.

The Guardian

The TV comedy gold of Basil Fawlty thrashing his car for 'deliberately' breaking down on Gourmet Night is an illustration of our human tendency towards anthropomorphism - attributing human like characteristics to non-human things.

The Guardian

Since 1966, Phillips has altered every page of a Victorian book published in 1892 called A Human Document, using intricate illustration, drawing, painting and collage to create an extensive work that he still continues to develop.

The Guardian - Arts

The sorry tale of Chris Huhne, Vicky Pryce, the speeding points and the jail sentences was a perfect illustration of the old adage: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we leave our wives for a bisexual press strategist".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "illustration", consider if a visual representation (like a graph or image) would enhance understanding for your audience. If so, directly reference the "illustration" within your text.

Common error

Avoid using "illustration" without providing specific details or context. Instead of saying "This is an illustration of the problem", specify what aspect of the problem the "illustration" highlights and how it clarifies the issue.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "illustration" is as a noun. It refers to a visual representation, such as a drawing or diagram, or an instance that clarifies a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its role as a noun within example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illustration" functions primarily as a noun, used to clarify or exemplify concepts, frequently with a visual element. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts. It appears most commonly in news and media sources, followed by formal business and science. While the term itself is neutral, the specific register can shift depending on the content. When writing, ensure that any referenced "illustration" is clear and directly relevant to the point being made. If you are looking for an alternative, consider "example", "instance", or "representation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

example

Replaces the term with a general instance used to clarify a point.

instance

Similar to example, but emphasizes a specific occurrence.

demonstration

Highlights the act of showing or proving something.

representation

Focuses on the depiction or portrayal of something.

portrayal

Similar to representation, emphasizing the manner of depiction.

depiction

Another term for representation, often used for visual descriptions.

case in point

Emphasizes a specific instance that supports an argument.

clarification

Highlights the act of making something clearer through examples.

elucidation

Focuses on making something clear and understandable.

visualization

Emphasizes a visual representation to aid understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "illustration" in a sentence?

You can use "illustration" to refer to a picture or diagram used to explain something, or as an example that clarifies a point. For instance, "The textbook includes a detailed illustration of the human heart" or "This case study serves as a compelling illustration of the project's success".

What are some alternatives to the word "illustration"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "example", "instance", "representation", or "visualization".

Is it correct to say "for illustration" or "as an illustration"?

Both "for illustration" and "as an illustration" are grammatically correct. They are typically used to introduce an example or explanation that clarifies a point. For example, "For illustration, consider the following scenario" or "As an illustration, let's examine the data provided".

What is the difference between "illustration" and "example"?

"Illustration" often implies a visual or detailed representation to clarify a concept, whereas "example" refers more broadly to a specific instance used to support or explain a point. An "illustration" might be a diagram, while an "example" could be a case study or a statistic.