linking phrase (infinitive) · formal

to illustrate

/tuː ˈɪləstreɪt/to ILLUS·trate

task2speaking

used to introduce an example that explains or clarifies a point

Examples

To illustrate, consider the case of small coastal towns facing erosion.

To illustrate this point, the author cites recent survey data.

The teacher used charts to illustrate the trend.

Band 8 sentence

To illustrate the long-term benefits, the study tracked participants' health outcomes over a decade.

Collocations

  • to illustrate + comma + clause
  • used to illustrate

Word family

illustrate verbillustration noun

Common mistakes

to illustrate that + noun (without clause)to illustrate + clause / to illustrate + noun phrase (with comma or context)

illustrate me with an exampleillustrate with an example / give me an example

Say it for a higher band

5for example6for instance7+to illustrate

Synonyms

for example

Easily confused

for example

For example, many students prefer online resources.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Examples

Learn it with its set