which illustrates

USAGE SUMMARY

"which illustrates" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe something which provides a visual representation of an idea or concept, such as a picture, diagram, story, or example. For example: The children's picture book contains several vivid illustrations which illustrate the importance of friendship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which illustrates a more general point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here's an example which illustrates the point.

Independent

Which illustrates the difference between being great and being wearable.

The New York Times - Style

Reid tells a story which illustrates Idahosa's allegedly supernatural powers.

The Guardian

A case study which illustrates the methodology is presented.

Procedia CIRP

Which illustrates the First Law of Online Services: if they're free, then you're the product.

The Guardian - Tech

An example which illustrates this pattern was evident in the 19th minute.

The Guardian - Sport

They have a point, though one which illustrates a wider and more fundamental malaise for cycling.

The Guardian

Let us look at another case which illustrates how to buy and sell a professional service.

Harvard Business Review

Which illustrates that Simpson did not get where is today by daydreaming.

The New York Times - Sports

An analytic solution is also presented which illustrates similarities to other theories.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which illustrates" to smoothly introduce an example or scenario that clarifies a preceding point. Ensure the example directly supports the statement it follows.

Common error

Avoid using "which illustrates" if the subsequent example does not directly or clearly support the preceding claim. A weak connection can confuse readers and undermine your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which illustrates" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clause. It adds extra information that clarifies a preceding statement by providing an example. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which illustrates" serves as a valuable tool for providing clarity and enhancing comprehension in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in News & Media and Science domains. Remember to use a comma before "which illustrates" as it introduces a nonrestrictive clause. To add variety to your writing, consider related phrases like "which demonstrates" or "as an illustration of". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "which illustrates" to create clear and impactful prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which demonstrates

Similar in function but can emphasize proof or conclusive evidence.

which exemplifies

Highlights something as a typical or excellent example.

as an illustration of

More formal and explicitly introduces an example.

to illustrate this

Direct and often used to transition into an example.

this shows

More concise, emphasizing the revealing nature of what follows.

this highlights

Draws attention to a key aspect or feature.

a case in point is

Introduces a specific instance or example.

for instance

A common and simple way to introduce an example.

this is evidenced by

Suggests empirical support or proof.

consider the case of

Invites the reader to examine a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I use "which illustrates" in a sentence?

Use "which illustrates" to introduce an example or a visual representation that clarifies a point you've just made. For instance: "The data shows a clear trend, which illustrates the growing popularity of renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "which illustrates"?

Alternatives include "which demonstrates", "which exemplifies", or "as an illustration of", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "which illustrates"?

Yes, because "which illustrates" introduces a nonrestrictive clause (a clause that adds extra information but isn't essential to the sentence's meaning), it should always be preceded by a comma.

How does "which illustrates" differ from "that illustrates"?

"Which illustrates" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, while "that illustrates" would introduce a restrictive clause (essential to the sentence's meaning). Using "which" implies the illustrative information is supplementary, whereas "that" implies it's crucial for understanding the sentence's core meaning.