the image illustrates

USAGE SUMMARY

"the image illustrates" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce or describe an image that supports or adds more detail to the written content. Example: The image illustrates the diversity of marine life in the Caribbean Sea.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The image illustrates that the diffuse discharge covers the entire surface of the electrodes.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

The image illustrates the three sub-divisions of the loading-mechanism chamber.

EPJ Quantum Technology

The image illustrates where venting ducts could be placed to minimize the amount of buffer gas potentially leaking to the experimental region.

EPJ Quantum Technology

The image illustrates that the nanofiber is produced smoothly without any agglomerates, beads, or connected nanofibers, which happens because of equivalent electrospinning parameters [23].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The image illustrates the specificity of the assay as well as the lack of autofluorescence.

Biomedical Optics Express

Cover legend: The image illustrates the effects of percent yeast and diet concentration on egg production rate (eggs/day), from Fanson et al., 2009, pp. 514 523.

Aging Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This time, the image illustrating the piece was of a Wal-Mart atop the Pyramid of the Sun.

The New York Times

The two different sized microsphere samples are easily distinguished in the image illustrating the robustness of the DoP spectra across the FoV.

Biomedical Optics Express

The images illustrated the book "Hollow City" (Verso), written by Rebecca Solnit.

The New York Times

The images illustrate the basic principles of punk – communication and community – are in full effect at these events and no amount of corporate sponsorship or commercial codification is going to kill that feeling.

The Guardian - Music

The images illustrate the presence of nanodots.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "the image illustrates" over simpler alternatives when you want to convey that the image provides a deeper understanding or reveals something significant, rather than merely showing something.

Common error

Avoid using "the image illustrates" if the image only serves a decorative purpose or provides minimal informational value. Choose a more neutral phrase like "the image shows" or omit the introductory phrase entirely and let the image speak for itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the image illustrates" functions as a transitional phrase and a visual cue in writing. It introduces an image and signals to the reader that the image will clarify or provide further information related to the text. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase as a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the image illustrates" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an image that clarifies or supports the adjacent text. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in science and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "the image shows", it is appropriate when the image provides significant insight. Remember to use it judiciously and ensure the image directly enhances understanding, and to avoid overstating its significance. The phrase functions as a transitional cue and a visual aid, enhancing comprehension through combined textual and visual elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the picture depicts

Changes the noun from 'image' to 'picture' and uses 'depicts' as a synonym for 'illustrates'.

the figure demonstrates

Replaces 'image' with 'figure' and 'illustrates' with 'demonstrates', often used in scientific contexts.

the photograph shows

Uses 'photograph' instead of 'image' and 'shows' as a simpler alternative to 'illustrates'.

the graphic represents

Substitutes 'image' with 'graphic' and 'illustrates' with 'represents', suitable for data visualizations.

the diagram explains

Replaces 'image' with 'diagram' and 'illustrates' with 'explains', appropriate when the image clarifies a concept.

as the image reveals

Changes the structure to emphasize the revealing aspect of the image.

the snapshot captures

Uses 'snapshot' instead of 'image' and 'captures' to indicate the image's content.

this drawing portrays

Switches to 'drawing' and uses 'portrays' to suggest a detailed depiction.

from the image, we see

Alters the sentence structure to focus on the viewer's perception.

the visual highlights

Replaces 'image' with 'visual' and uses 'highlights' to emphasize key aspects shown.

FAQs

How can I use "the image illustrates" in a sentence?

Use "the image illustrates" to introduce an image that provides further clarification or a visual representation of a concept discussed in your text. For example, "The image illustrates the process of photosynthesis".

What are some alternatives to using "the image illustrates"?

You can use alternatives like "the picture depicts", "the figure demonstrates", or "the photograph shows" depending on the specific context and the nature of the image.

Is it redundant to say "the image illustrates" if the image is already self-explanatory?

Yes, it can be redundant. If the image's meaning is immediately clear without any introduction, it's often better to omit the phrase. Only use "the image illustrates" when the image provides a deeper understanding or a specific interpretation.

What's the difference between "the image illustrates" and "the image shows"?

"The image illustrates" implies that the image clarifies or explains something, providing a deeper understanding. "The image shows" is a more neutral statement, simply indicating what the image depicts without necessarily implying clarification. The first usage suggests the visual element is more deeply integrated into the explanation, the second simply that the content depicted by the visual element is what's being referenced.