to illustrate how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to illustrate how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a descriptive example that clarifies what has previously been discussed. For example, "To illustrate how revolutionary this new technology is, think about how it would have changed our lives just 50 years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To illustrate how he works, Carsen talks about Der Rosenkavalier.

The Guardian - Music

Mayer-Schönberger presents two very different real-life scenarios to illustrate how algorithms are being used.

The Guardian

Stalin ordered the cartoon to illustrate how ludicrous he considered such an action.

The New York Times

Soubry offers an anecdote to illustrate how it should be done.

The Guardian

What a wonderful way to illustrate how attitudes towards mainstream casting are beginning to change".

The Guardian

I'm just trying to illustrate how innocently it starts for so many, including myself.

The Guardian

One of Schnackenberg's contributions, in his testimony, was to illustrate how these tactics worked with individuals.

The New Yorker

Mr. Halstead did the math to illustrate how reduced commissions squeeze brokers.

The New York Times

He invented that to illustrate how much the English people hated her.

The New York Times

Some cite the case of Rainer E. Gut to illustrate how this can work.

The New York Times

And both use it to illustrate how drastically Rand's personal ties could rupture.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to illustrate how" to introduce specific examples that clarify a point, ensuring the example directly relates to the concept you're explaining. A well-chosen example makes your explanation more concrete and easier to understand.

Common error

Avoid using overly general examples after "to illustrate how". Vague examples don't effectively clarify your point and can confuse the reader. Make sure your example is specific and directly relevant to the topic at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to illustrate how" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It connects a statement with an example intended to clarify or demonstrate the point being made. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to illustrate how" serves as a powerful tool for clarifying explanations through concrete examples. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, ranging from science and news media to formal business settings. The phrase is suitable for neutral to professional registers, making it versatile for various writing styles. Remember to use specific, relevant examples to maximize clarity and comprehension, avoiding overly broad or vague illustrations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to demonstrate how

Replaces "illustrate" with "demonstrate", focusing on showing or proving something.

to show how

Uses a more direct and simple verb, "show", instead of "illustrate".

to exemplify how

Emphasizes providing an example that serves as a typical instance.

as an illustration of how

Adds a prepositional phrase to specify the purpose of the example.

to give an example of how

More explicitly states the act of providing an example.

to clarify how

Focuses on making something clearer through explanation or example.

to explain how

Shifts the focus towards providing a detailed explanation.

to highlight how

Emphasizes drawing attention to a particular aspect or detail.

to outline how

Suggests a structured overview or presentation of the process.

to detail how

Implies providing specific information about the steps or processes involved.

FAQs

How can I use "to illustrate how" in a sentence?

Use "to illustrate how" to introduce a specific example that clarifies a general statement or concept. For example, "The company adapted quickly to market changes. To illustrate how, consider their shift to remote work within a week."

What are some alternatives to using "to illustrate how"?

You can use alternatives like "to demonstrate how", "to show how", or "to exemplify how" depending on the context.

Is "to illustrate how" formal or informal?

"To illustrate how" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is appropriate for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. However, in very informal contexts, simpler phrases might be preferred.

How does using an example after "to illustrate how" improve writing?

Using a concrete example after "to illustrate how" makes abstract ideas more accessible and understandable. Examples help readers connect the concept to a real-world scenario, improving comprehension and retention.