Meaning
introduces an example to clarify or support a point
Primary Function
exemplification marker
Communicative Purpose
to support a claim with a concrete instance
Pattern
To illustrate
Core Structure
To illustrate
Função primária
exemplification marker
Propósito comunicativo
to support a claim with a concrete instance
Situações de gatilho
academic essays, formal presentations, teacher explanations
Contextos
formal spoken and written English
Padrão
To illustrate
Estrutura central
To illustrate
Slots de substituição
the phrase can be followed by a clause or a noun phrase that provides the example
Colocados típicos
- consider
- for example
- let us examine
Substituições comuns
- for example
- for instance
- by way of illustration
Erros comuns
using 'to illustrate' without providing a clear example
Similar / contraste
for example, for instance, namely
Interferências
learners may use it incorrectly as a general connector
Família do chunk
- exemplification connectors
- clarifying phrases
Nuance
more deliberate and formal than 'for example' or 'for instance'
Efeito pragmático
signals a didactic purpose and adds clarity to the explanation
Dica de memória
take the case of
Nota
To illustrate is used to introduce an example that supports or clarifies a point. It is more formal than 'for example' or 'for instance' and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
Upgrade path
for example → for instance → to illustrate
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