pictures illustrating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pictures illustrating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to images that provide visual representation or clarification of a concept, idea, or text. Example: "The report includes several pictures illustrating the impact of climate change on coastal cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Stuff like the pictures illustrating this piece.

The Guardian - Arts

Here's a selection of pictures illustrating the damage.

The Guardian

"What merit there may be in the pictures illustrating this book is largely due to two factors," he writes.

The New Yorker

Rossetti's influence not only led to easel pictures illustrating Arthurian legend but also into other fields of art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Visible World in Pictures (1658), which remained popular in Europe for two centuries, attempted to dramatize Latin through pictures illustrating Latin sentences, accompanied by one or two vernacular translations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the great Ravenna mosaics of the 5th century, pictures illustrating the narrative of the Bible or expounding the dogmas of religion were still done in the painterly style of Roman mosaics and wall painting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The pictures illustrate the near-fatal moments in which the Virgin intervened in the donors' behalf.

The New Yorker

The 1978 Merchant Ivory film, "Hullabaloo Over Georgie and Bonnie's Pictures", illustrates this, literally.

The Economist

You'll go to a gallery and … the curator has authored an idea and the pictures illustrate that idea.

The Guardian - Arts

That it is one of the more recent pictures illustrates how hard times have been these past decades.

Independent

His road pictures illustrate a truth of experience: you can be new to something, and something can be new to you, only once.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pictures illustrating", ensure the images directly and clearly relate to the text they accompany. Ambiguous or loosely connected images can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "pictures illustrating" as a catch-all phrase. Be specific about what the pictures are illustrating. For instance, instead of saying "the pictures illustrating the process", specify "the pictures illustrating the stages of cell division".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pictures illustrating" functions as a gerund phrase, often used adjectivally to describe or introduce visual aids that provide clarification or examples. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pictures illustrating" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that introduces visuals to clarify or exemplify textual content. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, from formal writing in science and encyclopedias to neutral reporting in news media. When using this phrase, ensure the images are clearly relevant and specific to avoid ambiguity. Remember to be descriptive about what the pictures are illustrating to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

images depicting

Focuses on the visual representation aspect, emphasizing what the images show.

photos showing

A more direct and simpler alternative, highlighting the act of revealing or presenting information.

illustrations representing

Emphasizes the act of standing in place of something else by means of illustration.

visuals clarifying

Highlights the role of the images in making something easier to understand.

graphics explaining

Specifically refers to the use of graphics to provide an explanation.

diagrams demonstrating

Suggests a more structured and technical type of visual representation.

examples showcasing

Focuses on presenting something in an attractive or favorable way.

figures portraying

Implies a detailed and accurate representation of something.

artwork rendering

Highlights the artistic aspect of the visual representation.

sketches detailing

Focuses on the provision of specific and intricate information via sketches.

FAQs

How can I use "pictures illustrating" in a sentence?

You can use "pictures illustrating" to introduce visual aids that clarify a concept. For example, "The manual includes several pictures illustrating the correct assembly procedure".

What are some alternatives to "pictures illustrating"?

Alternatives include "images depicting", "photos showing", or "illustrations representing", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "pictures that illustrate" or "pictures illustrating"?

"Pictures illustrating" is a more concise and direct gerund phrase. "Pictures that illustrate" is grammatically correct but slightly more verbose. Both are acceptable, but the former is often preferred for its brevity.

What's the difference between "pictures illustrating" and "pictures demonstrating"?

"Pictures illustrating" generally refers to images that clarify or represent something, while "pictures demonstrating" implies a visual representation proving or showing how something works or is done. The choice depends on whether you are clarifying a concept or showing a process.