serves to illustrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serves to illustrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining how something demonstrates or clarifies a point or concept. Example: "The data collected from the survey serves to illustrate the growing trend in consumer preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

All of this serves to illustrate two points.

The Washington Post

That there can be a debate serves to illustrate the impact he has had.

The Guardian - Sport

A cantilever beam with a nonlinear spring at its tip serves to illustrate the developments.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Thing is, though, as his back story serves to illustrate, Devendra's lyrics should be taken with a pinch of salt.

The Guardian - Music

That this young Palermo fan has Down's Syndrome serves to illustrate some inherent contradictions in the Italian ultras.

The Guardian - Sport

Ifans may have been unusually boorish, but the episode serves to illustrate the essential worthlessness of the celebrity interview.

The Guardian

A representative case study dealing with a frame-based hall design serves to illustrate these considerations.

Advanced Engineering Informatics

In this paper, a Gemasolar-like field receiver system serves to illustrate the aiming model.

Solar Energy

An example in the mechatronics field serves to illustrate our proposals.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

If nothing else, this study serves to illustrate the complexities of the likely effects of climate change on biodiversity.

Plosone

A familiar example of animal behaviour a dog wagging its tail serves to illustrate the levels of analysis framework.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serves to illustrate" when you want to clearly demonstrate a point or concept through an example or case study. It adds a level of formality and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "serves to illustrate" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and stilted. Vary your language by using synonyms like "demonstrates", "exemplifies", or "highlights".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves to illustrate" functions as a purpose connector, linking an idea or concept to an example or explanation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It introduces evidence or instances that clarify the point being made.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serves to illustrate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that functions as a purpose connector, bridging concepts and clarifying examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly used in science and news media, it maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure it directly and effectively demonstrates the point you aim to clarify. While common, vary your language to prevent repetitiveness by using phrases like "demonstrates" or "exemplifies". Remember, although "serves to illustrate" is generally correct, overuse may weaken your writing. Be mindful of adapting this formal phrase to the tone and context of your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functions as an illustration

This alternative uses "functions as" instead of "serves to", focusing on the role of something as an example.

acts as a demonstration

This alternative replaces "serves to illustrate" with "acts as a demonstration", emphasizing the act of showing something.

provides an example of

This alternative is more direct, highlighting that something is being used as a specific example.

helps to demonstrate

This alternative uses "helps to" instead of "serves to", suggesting a supporting role in demonstrating something.

is intended to show

This alternative focuses on the intention behind using something as an illustration.

clarifies the point that

This alternative emphasizes the clarification aspect of the illustration.

exemplifies the concept of

This alternative uses "exemplifies" to show that something is a typical example.

elucidates the idea that

This alternative uses "elucidates", which suggests making something clearer and easier to understand.

highlights the fact that

This alternative stresses the importance of the information being illustrated.

embodies the principle of

This alternative suggests that something represents or expresses a principle.

FAQs

How can I use "serves to illustrate" in a sentence?

Use "serves to illustrate" to introduce an example that clarifies a concept. For instance, "The study's findings "serves to illustrate" the impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

What are some alternatives to "serves to illustrate"?

You can use alternatives like "demonstrates", "exemplifies", "highlights", or "provides an example of" depending on the specific context. These alternatives can help prevent repetition and add variety to your writing.

Is "serves to illustrate" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "serves to illustrate" is more suitable for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "shows" or "proves".

What's the difference between "serves to illustrate" and "helps to illustrate"?

"Serves to illustrate" suggests a primary function or purpose, while "helps to illustrate" implies a supporting role. "The case study "serves to illustrate" the main point" indicates the example is central. "The graph "helps to illustrate" the trend" means the graph provides additional clarity.