textbook illustration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "textbook illustration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an example or depiction that is typical or ideal, often found in educational materials. Example: "The textbook illustration of the water cycle clearly shows how evaporation and condensation work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Opinion

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is a textbook illustration of economic forces at work.

The Economist

It is awesome to check into a textbook illustration.

The New York Times - Arts

It stands as a textbook illustration of western bombs' ability to make a bad situation worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fayyad's pursuit of this reform is a textbook illustration of his method.

The New York Times - Magazine

Equivalent VIII is a textbook illustration of minimal art that should stay in a textbook.

The Guardian - Arts

The passage of the Labour party from Keir Hardie to New Labour is a textbook illustration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The technology will probably first be used for textbook illustrations and for cartoons.

The New York Times

The Puritan clothes — not textbook illustrations but the very fabric, moldering just under her feet.

The New Yorker

So they offer textbook illustrations of how design can differentiate vehicles.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, slides and textbook illustrations divorce these monuments from their urban context and distort their relative scale.

University of California, Berkeley

Without the overlying and underlying clutter of Brando's personal belongings, the rooms would have been textbook illustrations of the Japanese penchant for an ostentatious barrenness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "textbook illustration" when you want to emphasize that an example is so clear and typical that it could be found in an educational textbook. It's effective for explaining fundamental concepts in a straightforward manner.

Common error

Avoid using "textbook illustration" too frequently in your writing. While it's a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "classic example" or "prime example" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "textbook illustration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something that serves as a very clear and typical example of a concept or principle, often found in educational materials.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Opinion

6%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "textbook illustration" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes something serving as a clear and typical example of a concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to highlight the representativeness of an example, as shown in examples ranging from economics to art. While the phrase is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of overuse and consider related phrases like "classic example" or "ideal example" for variety. Remembering this guidance will allow you to utilize this phrase efficiently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical illustration

Focuses on the representative nature of the illustration.

ideal example

Indicates that the example represents a standard or model.

perfect example

Emphasizes the flawless nature of the example in illustrating a concept.

classic example

Replaces "illustration" with a more general term, emphasizing the typical nature of the example.

prime example

Similar to "classic example", but highlights the superior quality or suitability of the example.

classic representation

Like "classic example", but refers to the representation itself.

exemplary case

Substitutes both "textbook" and "illustration" with alternative terms conveying the same meaning.

clear depiction

Shifts the focus to the clarity and explicitness of the representation.

vivid portrayal

Highlights the lifelike or detailed quality of the illustration.

graphic representation

Emphasizes the visual and descriptive aspects of the illustration.

FAQs

How can I use "textbook illustration" in a sentence?

You can use "textbook illustration" to describe something that perfectly exemplifies a concept. For example, "The water cycle is a "textbook illustration" of how natural systems work".

What are some alternatives to "textbook illustration"?

Some alternatives include "classic example", "prime example", or "ideal example". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "textbook illustration" in formal writing?

Yes, "textbook illustration" can be used in formal writing, especially when explaining fundamental concepts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece. In some cases, a more sophisticated or nuanced phrase might be more appropriate.

What makes an example a "textbook illustration"?

A "textbook illustration" is an example that is particularly clear, concise, and representative of a concept. It's the kind of example you would find in a textbook because it effectively explains a key principle.