is illustrative of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is illustrative of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to show that something serves as a good example or illustration of something else. For example, the phrase "The Taj Mahal is illustrative of India's rich architectural heritage" is a sentence that uses "is illustrative of" correctly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fernando Spano is illustrative of this dilemma.

The Guardian - Sport

The Newsquest situation is illustrative of journalism's plight.

The Guardian

Dan Levine himself is illustrative of demographic changes.

The New Yorker

What she says is illustrative of how nuanced domestic violence work is.

The Guardian

"Her sentencing is illustrative of an increasingly low tolerance for human rights advocacy in Iran.

The Guardian

But it is illustrative of the weird and narcissistic world in which he operates".

The Guardian

A pair of killings here in New Orleans is illustrative of this mindset.

The Guardian

MSNBC's plan for a new 3 p.m. program is illustrative of a cable news trend.

The New York Times

The debate over solids is illustrative of the many questions swirling around the space program's future.

The New York Times - Science

"This is illustrative of doubt and caution, of not wanting to be boxed in.

The New York Times

Mr. Rowland's rapid action on the funding bill is illustrative of the unusual coalition that has united behind this project.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is illustrative of" when you want to show how a specific instance or example helps to understand a broader concept or trend. It signals that the example isn't isolated but indicative of something larger.

Common error

While "is illustrative of" is correct, overuse can make writing sound stilted. Vary your phrasing with simpler alternatives like "shows" or "demonstrates" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is illustrative of" functions as a linking expression, connecting a specific example or instance to a broader concept or trend. It signals that the example is not isolated, but rather representative and enlightening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is illustrative of" serves to link examples to broader concepts, signaling that a particular instance sheds light on a larger phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, the phrase leans towards a neutral-to-formal register. While "is illustrative of" is considered grammatically sound and frequently used, varying your phrasing with simpler alternatives when possible is crucial for maintaining a natural tone. Remember, the goal is clarity, not complexity, in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrates

Replaces with a single verb emphasizing the act of showing.

exemplifies

Shortens the phrase to a single verb; less verbose.

is representative of

Indicates that something is typical or characteristic.

serves as an example of

Replaces "is illustrative of" with a more explicit description of function.

embodies

Suggests being a tangible or concrete representation.

highlights

Shifts focus to emphasizing particular aspects.

clarifies

Emphasizes the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.

epitomizes

Implies being a perfect example or embodiment.

elucidates

Indicates a detailed explanation or clarification.

symbolizes

Suggests representing something abstract or intangible.

FAQs

How can I use "is illustrative of" in a sentence?

Use "is illustrative of" to show that something is a good example of something else. For instance, "The increase in mobile giving "is illustrative of" a greater move towards reducing the barriers to giving."

What are some alternatives to "is illustrative of"?

You can use alternatives like "serves as an example of", "demonstrates", or "exemplifies", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is illustrative of" or "illustrates"?

"Illustrates" is often more concise and direct. "Is illustrative of" adds a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing that the example is representative of a broader pattern. Choose based on the desired formality and flow of your writing.

How does "is illustrative of" differ from "is typical of"?

"Is typical of" implies that something is a common or representative example. "Is illustrative of" emphasizes that the example helps to explain or clarify a broader concept, even if it's not necessarily the most common example.