this illustrates how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this illustrates how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an example or explanation that demonstrates a particular point or concept. Example: "The data collected from the survey is quite revealing; this illustrates how consumer preferences have shifted over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this illustrates how technology moves.

Yale University

This illustrates how persistent the plant can be.

Columbia University

This illustrates how rapidly the fly's brain can process sensory information into an appropriate motor response".

The Guardian

This illustrates how the solutions to landscape design problems change with different assumptions of economic cost.

Landscape and Urban Planning

This illustrates how flimsy students' perceptions of law firms can be, and how outwardly similar the big ones can seem.

The Guardian

This illustrates how the many things interpenetrate like the realm of Indra's net of jewels--multiplied and remultiplied ad infinitum.

Yale University

This illustrates how diverse activities are and that multidisciplinary competences are needed to tackle properly the different problematic.

Procedia Engineering

This illustrates how better understanding of random utility theory enables richer inferences to be drawn from discrete choice experiments.

Social Science & Medicine

This illustrates how a wide variety of actors, institutions, values, and resources take precedence in determining a discharge destination.

Journal of Aging Studies

This illustrates how difficult it is to search the areas as it takes eight hours to fly to and from the search area with two hours searching.

The Guardian

But now it is fighting back by teaming up with Frontier.All this illustrates how the business models of big carriers and budget airlines are converging.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this illustrates how", ensure the example you provide is relevant and directly supports the point you are making. Irrelevant examples can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "this illustrates how" when the connection between the preceding statement and the example is weak or unclear. This can make your writing seem disjointed and less convincing.

Linguistic Context

"This illustrates how" functions as a demonstrative phrase that introduces an example or explanation. Its primary grammatical function is to connect a general statement with a specific instance, providing clarity and support. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

29%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"This illustrates how" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an example or explanation that supports a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is versatile across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, with a neutral register. To enhance clarity, ensure the example directly and strongly supports the point being made. While alternatives like "this demonstrates how" and "this shows how" exist, "this illustrates how" effectively bridges general ideas with specific instances, aiding reader comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this demonstrates how

Replaces "illustrates" with "demonstrates", emphasizing the act of showing or proving.

this shows how

Uses "shows" instead of "illustrates", providing a more direct and simple way to present an example.

this exemplifies how

Substitutes "illustrates" with "exemplifies", highlighting the role of the example as a typical case.

this highlights how

Emphasizes the way in which something is revealed or made prominent.

this indicates how

Focuses on the sign or signal that something is a certain way.

this clarifies how

Highlights how the following information makes something easier to understand.

this proves how

Strongly asserts the evidence that confirms a fact or statement.

this reveals how

Emphasizes how something previously unknown is made visible or understood.

this explains how

Focuses on providing reasons or causes to make something understandable.

as this demonstrates

Inverted structure, placing the emphasis on the demonstration itself.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "this illustrates how" in a sentence?

Use "this illustrates how" to introduce a specific example or explanation that directly supports a preceding statement or idea, ensuring a clear connection for the reader.

What are some alternatives to "this illustrates how" that I can use in my writing?

Consider using alternatives like "this demonstrates how", "this shows how", or "this exemplifies how" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "this illustrates how" and "this demonstrates how"?

While both phrases are similar, "this illustrates how" implies a visual or descriptive example, whereas "this demonstrates how" suggests a more conclusive or proof-oriented example.

Can "this illustrates how" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "this illustrates how" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and directly introduces an example, aiding in the explanation and support of your points.