this is illuminating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is illuminating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something has provided clarity or insight on a topic. Example: "After reading the article, I must say, this is illuminating; it really changed my perspective on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is illuminating in two respects: as Chinese families are traditionally organized according to a hierarchy of gender, age and generation, this framework alerts us to the need to examine how the intersection of gender and generation might shape the exchange of care between family members in rural China.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

This is illuminating since membrane proteins are frequently assumed to be unstable outside their native membrane, yet this suggests that bR has a very high kinetic stability in vitro.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

Still, this is illuminating reading for anyone interested in 20th-century Los Angeles or modern-day newspapering.

The New York Times - Books

This is illuminating because the previous UK government, in the form of Gordon Brown, picked its words on this very carefully.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is illuminated by treating three classical examples: the logistic map, the Hdnon map and the Lorenz equation.

Journal of Computational Physics

This is illuminated through the experience of Faizal who was a co-researcher and, at the same time, a teacher educator who would soon return to school to teach.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Under her leadership, African artists are given a platform to thrive and this is illuminated in the Smithsonian's Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell Revisited by Contemporary African Artists.

Huffington Post

This is illuminated by Dr A and Dr C in their distrust and unwillingness to write a sickness certificate.

BMC Family Practice

This was illuminating.

The New York Times

Takuan's reflection on this point is illuminating.

SEP

This description is illuminating from a third-person point of view, since it exposes precisely why the belief is mistaken.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is illuminating" to introduce a point that clarifies a complex issue or provides a new perspective. It's especially effective when summarizing findings or drawing conclusions.

Common error

Avoid using "this is illuminating" for trivial or self-evident statements. Reserve it for situations where genuine insight is provided, otherwise, it can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is illuminating" functions as a declarative statement expressing that something provides clarity or insight. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable. It is often used to introduce a new perspective or understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is illuminating" serves to highlight the insightful nature of information, offering clarity and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, and real-world examples demonstrate its application across diverse fields like science and news. While generally neutral in tone, tending slightly towards formal, it's best reserved for situations where genuine insight is provided, as overuse in simple explanations might sound pretentious. Consider alternatives like "this provides insight" or "this clarifies" for different nuances. Its usage frequency is considered uncommon, making its strategic placement all the more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this elucidates

Replaces "illuminating" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

this provides insight

Highlights the offering of a deeper understanding.

this reveals

Stresses the uncovering or disclosure of something previously unknown.

this sheds light on

Changes the verb to "sheds light on", focusing on the action of providing clarity.

this underscores

Emphasizes the importance or significance of something.

this clarifies

Uses a direct verb to indicate the act of making something clearer.

this makes it clear

Emphasizes the resulting clarity and lack of ambiguity.

this highlights

Focuses on drawing attention to a specific aspect or detail.

this explains

Indicates the provision of a reason or cause, offering understanding.

this demonstrates

Indicates the showing or proving of something through evidence.

FAQs

What does "this is illuminating" mean?

The phrase "this is illuminating" means that something is providing clarity, insight, or a new understanding of a situation or topic. It implies that what follows is helpful in understanding something previously unclear.

What can I say instead of "this is illuminating"?

You can use alternatives like "this provides insight", "this clarifies", or "this sheds light on" depending on the context.

Is "this is illuminating" formal or informal?

"This is illuminating" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in very informal settings.

How can I use "this is illuminating" in a sentence?

You can use "this is illuminating" to introduce a key point or realization. For example, "This research shows a clear correlation between exercise and mental health; this is illuminating, given the increasing rates of depression."