Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it should illustrate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it should illustrate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is expected to provide a clear example or representation of a concept or idea. Example: "The diagram is designed to explain the process, and it should illustrate the key steps involved."
✓ Grammatically correct
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
When his editor asked him who should illustrate it, Merritt mentioned that he had just received a fan letter from Roz Chast.
News & Media
Quotes were selected on basis of the criteria that a quote should illustrate the category of meaning sufficiently, that it adds a new perspective and that the quotes represent the opinions of different participants.
Science
Altogether this should illustrate the overarching nature of toxicology and its role in safe guarding human health and an intact environment.
Science
The foregoing should illustrate that the task is by no means impossible.
News & Media
To say that art embodies ideas is not to suggest that artists should illustrate them.
News & Media
He always knew he wanted to do something involving art, but rejected perpetual suggestions that he should illustrate children's books.
News & Media
Tuesday's game is the second of five for San Jose during a 10-day trip that should illustrate how much Lemieux has left in his tank.
News & Media
And if her football savviness should illustrate a certain disparity vis-à-vis the play-by-play man, well, that's too bad.
News & Media
Strange that you should illustrate your story (A final farewell to Fleet Street, 6 August) with pictures of the Daily Mail, which was in Tudor Street.
News & Media
As a theatre designer I don't think one should illustrate with the obvious and actually this isn't an installation about the horrors of war.
News & Media
The above argument should illustrate several things, such as the sort of company I keep, the sort of things I end up saying when alcohol is involved, and the obvious limitations of my knowledge in both politics and ornithology.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it should illustrate", ensure that the subject clearly supports the illustration intended. For example, a graph "should illustrate" a trend, not just present data.
Common error
Avoid using "it should illustrate" when the connection between the subject and the illustration is weak or unclear. Ensure a strong, direct relationship for effective communication.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it should illustrate" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing expectation or intention. It indicates that something is expected to provide a clear example or depiction of a concept. While Ludwig doesn't provide examples, the structure suggests its purpose is to guide the audience's understanding.
Frequent in
Science
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News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
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News & Media
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "it should illustrate" is grammatically correct and is used to express an expectation that something will provide a clear example or representation. Although Ludwig does not provide specific usage examples, the phrase's intended purpose is to guide understanding and offer clarification. Common alternatives include "it should demonstrate" and "it should clarify". When using this phrase, ensure a strong connection between the subject and the illustration for effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it should demonstrate
Replaces "illustrate" with "demonstrate", focusing on showing something clearly.
it should exemplify
Replaces "illustrate" with "exemplify", highlighting the use of an example.
it should clarify
Replaces "illustrate" with "clarify", emphasizing the act of making something easier to understand.
it should highlight
Replaces "illustrate" with "highlight", focusing on drawing attention to key aspects.
it ought to show
Uses "ought to show" instead of "should illustrate", conveying a sense of expectation.
it needs to depict
Replaces "should illustrate" with "needs to depict", emphasizing the necessity of representation.
it has to reveal
Substitutes "illustrate" with "reveal", focusing on uncovering or disclosing information.
it must demonstrate
Uses "must demonstrate" instead of "should illustrate", indicating a stronger requirement.
it aims to explain
Replaces "should illustrate" with "aims to explain", focusing on the intention of explanation.
it intends to depict
Substitutes "should illustrate" with "intends to depict", focusing on the intention of representation.
FAQs
How can I use "it should illustrate" in a sentence?
Use "it should illustrate" to introduce an example or explanation that clarifies a point. For example, "This graph /s/should+illustrate the correlation between exercise and heart health".
What are some alternatives to "it should illustrate"?
You can use alternatives like "it should demonstrate", "it should exemplify", or "it should clarify" depending on the context.
Is there a difference between "it should illustrate" and "it illustrates"?
"It should illustrate" indicates an expectation or purpose, while "it illustrates" states a fact. "It should illustrate" suggests something is meant to show something, while "it illustrates" confirms that it does.
When is it appropriate to use "it should illustrate"?
Use "it should illustrate" when describing the intended function of something, such as a chart, diagram, or example. It implies a design or purpose behind the illustration.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested