Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this image illustrates
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this image illustrates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing or explaining what a particular image conveys or represents in a text or presentation. Example: "In the following section, this image illustrates the impact of climate change on polar bear habitats."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(14)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
This image illustrates possible ways methane might be added to Mars' atmosphere (sources) and removed from the atmosphere (sinks).
News & Media
This image illustrates the resulting vibration waves as a primordial black hole (white dots) passes through the center of a star.
News & Media
That plaque at the bottom, completely impossible to make out at the press viewing, contains text (written by Munch on this original frame) from the artist's own prose poem, which this image illustrates.
News & Media
This image illustrates the use of the probe on an ex vivo sample.
Science
This image illustrates an early enhancement by the contrast agent into the urinary bladder extravascular space, which may be attributed to vascular leakage.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
This time, the image illustrating the piece was of a Wal-Mart atop the Pyramid of the Sun.
News & Media
The show's poster image illustrates this with a photograph of a blond German dressed as a Native American, part of a series called "German Indians," taken by Andrea Robbins and Max Becher in the German town of Radebeul during its annual Wild West festival.
News & Media
This fused OCT-PAT image illustrates the excellent co-registration between the two images.
Science
The above image illustrates what I've been feeling for years now.
News & Media
The inset image illustrates the multilayer structure before annealing.
Science
A case study using an exhaustive remote sensing image illustrates the procedure.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "this image illustrates", ensure the image directly supports and clarifies the surrounding text. The connection should be immediately obvious to the reader.
Common error
Avoid using "this image illustrates" to introduce an image that only vaguely relates to your point. The illustration should provide clear, direct support, not require significant interpretation by the viewer.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this image illustrates" functions as an introductory phrase to explain or clarify the content and purpose of an image. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to describe what a particular image conveys or represents. It serves to directly link the image to the surrounding text, providing visual support for the argument or information being presented.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this image illustrates" is a grammatically sound and useful way to introduce an image that clarifies or supports the accompanying text. According to Ludwig AI, it is used in various fields, especially science and news media. While it has a neutral to formal tone, remember to keep the connection between the image and the text direct and obvious for the reader. Alternatives such as "this image depicts" or "this image shows" can provide similar clarification in a slightly different tone.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this image depicts
Replaces "illustrates" with "depicts", offering a more direct visual representation.
this image shows
Uses "shows" for a simpler and more straightforward explanation of the image's content.
this image portrays
Substitutes "illustrates" with "portrays", emphasizing the image's depiction of a particular subject or scene.
this image represents
Replaces "illustrates" with "represents", focusing on the symbolic meaning or significance of the image.
this image exemplifies
Uses "exemplifies" instead of "illustrates", highlighting the image as a prime example of something.
this image highlights
Replaces "illustrates" with "highlights", emphasizing key aspects or features within the image.
this image clarifies
Substitutes "illustrates" with "clarifies", suggesting the image makes something easier to understand.
this image demonstrates
Uses "demonstrates" rather than "illustrates", implying the image provides evidence or proof of a concept.
this image visualizes
Replaces "illustrates" with "visualizes", focusing on the act of creating a visual representation.
this image embodies
Substitutes "illustrates" with "embodies", suggesting the image represents the essence or spirit of something.
FAQs
How can I use "this image illustrates" in a sentence?
Use "this image illustrates" to introduce an image that provides a visual example or clarification of the point you are making. For instance, "This image illustrates the effects of climate change on coastal erosion".
What are some alternatives to "this image illustrates"?
You can use alternatives like "this image depicts", "this image shows", or "this image represents" to describe what an image conveys.
Is it better to say "this image illustrates" or "this image shows"?
Both "this image illustrates" and "this image shows" are grammatically correct. "This image illustrates" implies a more explanatory or clarifying function, while "this image shows" is a more general statement.
What's the difference between "this image illustrates" and "this image represents"?
"This image illustrates" suggests that the image is providing a visual example or clarification. "This image represents", on the other hand, indicates that the image symbolizes or stands for something else, often an abstract concept.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested