was illustrated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was illustrated with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing how something is visually represented or depicted, often in relation to a text or concept. Example: "The book was illustrated with beautiful drawings that enhanced the storytelling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was illustrated with their photographs.

The Guardian

The list was illustrated with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The New Yorker

"The Hucklebuck" was illustrated with provocative pelvic thrusts.

The New York Times - Arts

The report was illustrated with a skull and crossbones superimposed on a red apple.

The New York Times

The piece was illustrated with drawings by John Piper, who designed the sets for the production.

The Guardian

Each step was illustrated with pictures that could have stood alone as examples of abstract art.

The New York Times

The entry for "dull" was illustrated with the sentence "To make dictionaries is dull work".

The New York Times - Books

The original was illustrated with a picture of a school unconnected with the story.

The Guardian

The article was illustrated with several pictures of Albert holding a child in his arms.

The Guardian

The book was illustrated with photographs from the expedition, and Worsley stared at them in wonder.

The New Yorker

It was illustrated with a very un-James-Dean-ish image of neo-Confederates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was illustrated with", ensure the illustrations genuinely clarify or enhance the main subject. Choose visuals that are relevant and contribute meaningfully to the content.

Common error

Avoid using illustrations merely for decoration. Illustrations should always serve a purpose, whether it's to explain a complex concept, provide visual evidence, or add emotional impact. If an illustration doesn't add value, it's best to omit it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was illustrated with" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject is clarified or enhanced by visual elements. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, this phrase is used to describe how articles, books, or concepts are made more understandable or engaging through images or diagrams.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was illustrated with" is a versatile passive voice phrase commonly used to describe how visual elements enhance and clarify a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, especially in news and scientific publications. While applicable across various formality levels, its neutral tone makes it particularly suitable for professional and academic writing. When employing this phrase, prioritize the relevance and meaningful contribution of the illustrations to ensure they effectively support and enrich your content. Alternatives like "was accompanied by" or "was depicted with" offer subtle variations in emphasis. The frequency of this phrase also confirms that it is a very common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was accompanied by

Emphasizes a general association or addition of something.

was depicted with

Focuses on the manner of portrayal or representation.

featured

Highlights the inclusion or presentation of something as a prominent aspect.

included

Indicates the presence of something within a larger whole.

showcased

Implies a deliberate presentation to highlight specific qualities.

was supplemented by

Suggests that something was added to enhance or complete the original.

was enhanced with

Focuses on the improvement or augmentation of something.

was augmented by

Highlights the expansion or increase of something.

was rendered with

Emphasizes the style or medium used in the representation.

was clarified by

Focuses on making something easier to understand through the addition of examples or details.

FAQs

How do I use "was illustrated with" in a sentence?

Use "was illustrated with" to describe how a text, concept, or idea is clarified or enhanced by visual elements. For instance, "The article was illustrated with photographs showing the impact of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "was illustrated with"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "was accompanied by", "was depicted with", or "featured".

Is it better to say "was illustrated by" or "was illustrated with"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Was illustrated by" typically refers to the artist or creator of the illustrations, while "was illustrated with" refers to the illustrations themselves.

What is the difference between "was illustrated with" and "included"?

"Was illustrated with" implies that the visual elements enhance or clarify something, whereas "included" simply means something was present as a part of a whole, without necessarily providing explanation or enhancement.