let me illustrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let me illustrate" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when someone wants to provide a visual example or explanation to help clarify their point. Example: "Let me illustrate how the new software works with a quick demonstration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Let me illustrate.

The Economist

Let me illustrate my meaning.

Cornell University

Let me illustrate this point about faith.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Let me illustrate how we manage that.

Harvard Business Review

Let me illustrate this with two points.

Harvard Business Review

Let me illustrate with a rough analogy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

And let me just illustrate that with the glass that we've talked about before.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And let me just illustrate one, or indicate one example in which that might arise.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let me briefly illustrate this plan.

Huffington Post

I've made these points over and over, so let me just illustrate with a story: Robynne Fauley of Sandy, Oregon, is a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy who is probably going to be kicked out of her home on Monday.

Vice

Let me try to illustrate the issues in a simpler way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "let me illustrate", ensure the example directly relates to the point you are making. Irrelevant examples can confuse readers.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "let me illustrate". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "for example" or "consider this case" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me illustrate" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the introduction of an example or demonstration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to provide clarity. The phrase prefaces a specific instance intended to make a concept or argument more understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let me illustrate" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to introduce an example, making an abstract idea more concrete. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's particularly frequent in news, academic, and scientific contexts, while also appearing in business and less formal communications. Remember to vary your sentence structure and use it judiciously for maximum impact. Alternatives such as ""let me clarify"" or ""let me show"" can help prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me show

Offers a direct demonstration or visual representation.

let me clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand, rather than providing a visual example.

let me elucidate

Replaces "illustrate" with a more formal term meaning to make clear or explain.

let me elaborate

Suggests providing more detail and expanding on a point.

let me relate

Focuses on telling a story or connecting information.

let me showcase

Emphasizes presenting something in an attractive or impressive way.

let me outline

Suggests presenting a structured overview of a topic.

let me suggest

Implies offering a possibility or idea for consideration.

let me reveal

Suggests uncovering or making something known.

let me reflect

Focuses on thinking deeply or considering something carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "let me illustrate" in a sentence?

Use "let me illustrate" to introduce an example that clarifies a point. For instance, "The concept is complex; let me illustrate with a real-world example".

What are some alternatives to "let me illustrate"?

You can use alternatives like "let me clarify", "let me elaborate", or "let me show" depending on the context.

Is it too formal to use "let me illustrate" in casual writing?

While "let me illustrate" isn't overly formal, in very casual contexts, consider using phrases like "for example" or "here's what I mean".

What is the difference between "let me illustrate" and "let me explain"?

"Let me illustrate" introduces an example, while "let me explain" provides a detailed account or reasoning. Use "let me illustrate" when showing a specific instance and let me explain when providing a comprehensive description.