to illustrate this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to illustrate this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to provide additional detail or an example to support a point you have made. For example, "Many people struggle with low self-esteem. To illustrate this, a study found that 75% of college students reported feeling anxious in social situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He showed various combinations to illustrate this.

The New York Times

To illustrate this, let's return to boats.

The New York Times

The Hutchinses seem born to illustrate this mournful gospel.

The New York Times - Books

Everyone has their own story to illustrate this.

The Guardian

At times, he uses arithmetical sketches to illustrate this point.

The New Yorker

Her technique was to illustrate this through performance.

The Guardian

Numerous examples are given by author to illustrate this.

The New Yorker

One anecdote is sufficient to illustrate this point.

The Guardian - Arts

A numerical example will help to illustrate this force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The experience of Egypt seems to illustrate this point.

The Economist

Two extreme positions serve to illustrate this problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to illustrate this" to smoothly introduce examples that directly support your preceding statement, ensuring a clear connection for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using examples that are only tangentially related to the point you're illustrating. Ensure the example directly clarifies or supports your statement, or it risks confusing your audience.

How to use

Learn how to use "to illustrate this" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to illustrate this" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a purpose connector. It signals the introduction of an example or explanation that clarifies or supports a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to illustrate this" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that serves as a purpose connector, introducing examples to clarify preceding statements. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for various writing contexts. While versatile, consider alternatives like ""for example"" or ""for instance"" for conciseness, or ""by way of illustration"" for a more formal tone. Remember to ensure your examples directly support your points to avoid confusing your audience. It is very commonly used, particularly in news, scientific and encyclopedia contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for instance

More concise and direct, suitable for quickly introducing an example.

as an example

Explicitly introduces what follows as a specific instance.

for example

A very common and versatile alternative, suitable for many contexts.

by way of illustration

More formal and literary, emphasizing the act of providing a visual or descriptive example.

to give an example

Direct and straightforward, clearly signaling the introduction of an example.

to demonstrate this

Focuses on proving or showing something through evidence.

to clarify this

Emphasizes making something easier to understand through explanation.

in other words

Rephrases a statement for better understanding, not necessarily providing an example.

specifically

Narrows down to a particular detail or instance.

as proof

Introduces information that serves as evidence or verification of a claim.

FAQs

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

Use "to illustrate this" to introduce an example that clarifies a preceding statement. For example, "The company culture values innovation. To illustrate this, employees are encouraged to dedicate 20% of their time to personal projects."

What are some alternatives to "to illustrate this"?

You can use alternatives like "for example", "for instance", or "as an example" depending on the context.

Is "to illustrate this" formal or informal?

"To illustrate this" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the overall tone and context. More formal alternatives include "by way of illustration".

How does "to illustrate this" differ from "to demonstrate this"?

"To illustrate this" is used to provide an example or clarify a point, while "to demonstrate this" suggests providing evidence or proof. Choose the phrase that best fits the type of support you are offering.