illustration of

USAGE SUMMARY

'illustration of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an example which helps to explain something or make a point. For example: "The following illustration of a battlefield shows the incredible bravery of the armed forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Illustration of an osprey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a ship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a katydid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of an amaryllis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a whale.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a crocodile.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a chameleon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a dolphin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a skylark.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of a spider.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Illustration of planets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "illustration of", ensure the illustration directly supports and clarifies the concept you are explaining. The visual should be relevant and easily understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using an "illustration of" something that does not add value to your explanation. Irrelevant or poorly designed illustrations can confuse your audience and weaken your argument. Ensure your illustration enhances understanding, not distracts from it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illustration of" serves as a prepositional phrase introducing an example that clarifies or supports a preceding statement. It connects an abstract concept with a tangible instance, as shown by Ludwig's examples of illustrations from Encyclopedia Britannica, The New Yorker, and various scientific journals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

39%

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illustration of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a visual or concrete example that supports and clarifies a concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. To use it effectively, ensure that the illustration is relevant and enhances understanding. Consider alternatives like "example of" or "depiction of" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

example of

Replaces the word "illustration" with a more general term for an instance.

instance of

Similar to "example of", but might imply a more specific case or occurrence.

depiction of

Focuses specifically on the visual representation aspect.

representation of

Broader than "illustration", encompassing different forms of symbolic portrayal.

demonstration of

Highlights the act of showing or proving something.

exhibit of

Suggests something being put on display or shown publicly.

portrayal of

Implies a more artistic or interpretive representation.

a case in point

Introduces a specific example to support an argument or statement.

an account of

Suggests a descriptive narration or explanation.

a symbol of

Highlights the representative or metaphorical meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "illustration of" in a sentence?

You can use "illustration of" to introduce a specific example or visual that helps explain a concept. For instance, "This diagram is an illustration of how the process works."

What are some alternatives to "illustration of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "example of", "instance of", or "depiction of".

Is it better to say "illustration of" or "example of"?

The choice depends on what you're trying to convey. Use "illustration of" when referring to a visual or graphical representation. Use "example of" when referring to a general instance or case.

What's the difference between "illustration of" and "representation of"?

"Illustration of" typically refers to a visual or graphical depiction, while "representation of" can encompass various forms of symbolic portrayal, not just visual ones.