this was illustrated

USAGE SUMMARY

"this was illustrated" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to show that something has been demonstrated or made clearer through an example. For example, "The importance of recycling was illustrated in the presentation by showing how much waste can be reduced."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was illustrated by the muted response to the first CRC league table published last autumn.

The Guardian

Bizarrely, this was illustrated only with footage of Ian Botham from the 1981 Ashes series.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was illustrated by the "sick-out" staged by American Airlines pilots in February.

The Economist

This was illustrated shortly after my arrival in Helmand province, when a soldier told me about his patrol getting ambushed.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was illustrated in the postwar efforts of defeated, ruined European cities to reinstate what bombs and shells had obliterated.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was illustrated by his challenge to Bradley that they forego political advertising and hold plenty of debates instead.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was illustrated by the Wrap figures, he said, which showed a reduction in waste figures since 2007.

The Guardian

This was illustrated most amusingly by a spoof newsreel aired by the independent online television station, TV Rain, last week.

Independent

This was illustrated most perfectly by Rosie Bergonzi's performance on an amplified cactus (played by plucking the spines, if you were wondering).

The Guardian - Music

This was illustrated in October 2009, when Venki – as he is universally known – was told he was to be awarded the Nobel prize for chemistry.

The Guardian

This was illustrated recently at a meeting of a number of company chairmen who were invited to a private discussion about sustainability.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this was illustrated", ensure that the example you provide clearly and directly supports the preceding statement. The connection should be obvious to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "this was illustrated" if the example provided is only tangentially related to the point you are making. Ensure the example serves as a clear and direct demonstration of the concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was illustrated" functions as a transitional phrase used to introduce an example that supports or clarifies a previous statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this passive construction is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was illustrated" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to introduce an example that clarifies a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and acceptable across various registers. It's commonly found in both scientific and journalistic contexts. To ensure clarity, use it only when the example directly supports the concept. Alternatives such as "this was demonstrated" or "this was exemplified" may be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember, the provided example should be closely related to the idea you want to show.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was demonstrated

Replaces "illustrated" with "demonstrated", maintaining the meaning of showing or proving something.

this was exemplified

Uses "exemplified" instead of "illustrated", emphasizing that something serves as a typical example.

this was shown

A more direct and simple way of saying that something was made clear or visible.

this was highlighted

Emphasizes that something was given special attention or importance.

this was evidenced

Suggests that something was supported by evidence.

this was clarified

Indicates that something was made easier to understand.

this was confirmed

Implies that something was proven to be true or accurate.

an example of this is

Introduces a specific instance to support a general statement.

this is borne out by

Indicates that something is supported or confirmed by the facts.

to illustrate this

Directly states the intention to provide an example.

FAQs

How can I use "this was illustrated" in a sentence?

Use "this was illustrated" to introduce an example that clarifies a preceding statement. For example, "The company's commitment to sustainability was illustrated by their investment in renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "this was illustrated"?

You can use alternatives like "this was demonstrated", "this was exemplified", or "this was shown" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "this was illustrated" or "this was demonstrated"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "This was illustrated" implies providing an example, while "this was demonstrated" suggests proving a point with evidence. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

Can I use "this was illustrated" in formal writing?

Yes, "this was illustrated" is appropriate for formal writing, including academic papers and business reports. It's a clear and professional way to introduce an illustrative example.