As illustrated by
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this phrase to bridge your claims with solid evidence in professional or academic settings.
En 15 secondes
- Connects a general claim to a specific piece of evidence.
- Commonly used in presentations to refer to charts or data.
- Signals a logical, professional, and well-prepared communication style.
Signification
This phrase is used to point to a specific example, chart, or story that proves what you just said. It is like saying, 'Look at this evidence to see that I am telling the truth.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Giving a business presentation
Our market share is growing, as illustrated by this upward trend on the chart.
Our market share is growing, as illustrated by this upward trend on the chart.
Writing a formal report
The policy is ineffective, as illustrated by the recent increase in customer complaints.
The policy is ineffective, as illustrated by the recent increase in customer complaints.
Explaining a friend's personality
He is incredibly generous, as illustrated by the time he gave his last dollar to a stranger.
He is incredibly generous, as illustrated by the time he gave his last dollar to a stranger.
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the Western emphasis on empirical evidence and 'showing your work' in professional settings. It became a staple of corporate language during the rise of data-driven decision-making in the mid-20th century. While it sounds formal, using it correctly signals that you are a clear, logical thinker who respects the audience's intelligence.
The Visual Connection
While you can use it for stories, it's most powerful when you are literally pointing at something, like a slide or a document.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in one speech, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'for instance' or 'this is clear when we look at'.
En 15 secondes
- Connects a general claim to a specific piece of evidence.
- Commonly used in presentations to refer to charts or data.
- Signals a logical, professional, and well-prepared communication style.
What It Means
Think of as illustrated by as a bridge. You make a big statement, and then you use this bridge to lead people to the proof. It is like saying, 'Don't just take my word for it; look at this example.' It turns an abstract idea into something real that people can see or imagine. It makes your argument feel much stronger and more professional.
How To Use It
You usually put this phrase right after a claim you have made. You can start a new sentence with it or use it after a comma. For example, you might say, 'The team is tired, as illustrated by the many mistakes in the report.' You are connecting the 'tiredness' to the 'mistakes.' It often points to a visual aid like a graph, but it can also point to a story or a specific person's experience. It is a very logical way to speak.
When To Use It
This is a superstar phrase for presentations and business meetings. Use it when you want to look organized and well-prepared. It is also great for academic writing or formal emails. If you are trying to convince your boss to change a policy, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you have done your homework and have evidence to back up your claims.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual settings unless you are being funny. If you say to a friend, 'I am hungry, as illustrated by my loud stomach,' it sounds like you are giving a lecture at a university. It is too heavy for a relaxed chat over pizza. Also, do not use it if you do not actually have an example ready. Nothing is more awkward than saying as illustrated by and then having nothing to show!
Cultural Background
English-speaking cultures, especially in business and academia, value 'Show, Don't Tell.' We like to see the data or the specific instance rather than just hearing a general opinion. This phrase comes from the world of publishing and art, where an 'illustration' literally clarifies a text. Over time, it moved into our speech to help clarify our thoughts. It reflects a culture that prizes evidence-based reasoning.
Common Variations
You might hear people say as shown by or as evidenced by. These are very similar. As seen in is another common one, especially when looking at a specific document. If you want to sound slightly more modern, you could say take, for example, but as illustrated by remains the gold standard for formal clarity. It gives your speech a nice, rhythmic flow.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is firmly in the 'formal' and 'professional' category. Use it when you want to sound authoritative, but avoid it in casual bar conversations unless you're aiming for a sarcastic, 'professor-like' tone.
The Visual Connection
While you can use it for stories, it's most powerful when you are literally pointing at something, like a slide or a document.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase five times in one speech, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'for instance' or 'this is clear when we look at'.
The 'Smart' Factor
In English-speaking offices, using this phrase correctly can actually make you sound more authoritative and 'senior' in your role.
Exemples
6Our market share is growing, as illustrated by this upward trend on the chart.
Our market share is growing, as illustrated by this upward trend on the chart.
Here, it directly references a visual aid to prove a point.
The policy is ineffective, as illustrated by the recent increase in customer complaints.
The policy is ineffective, as illustrated by the recent increase in customer complaints.
Uses a specific fact (complaints) to support a judgment (ineffective).
He is incredibly generous, as illustrated by the time he gave his last dollar to a stranger.
He is incredibly generous, as illustrated by the time he gave his last dollar to a stranger.
Uses a story as the 'illustration' of a character trait.
Dave is clearly struggling with laundry, as illustrated by the mountain of socks in the kitchen.
Dave is clearly struggling with laundry, as illustrated by the mountain of socks in the kitchen.
The formal language creates a funny contrast with the messy situation.
I'm drowning in work, as illustrated by the fact that I'm eating lunch at 5 PM.
I'm drowning in work, as illustrated by the fact that I'm eating lunch at 5 PM.
A slightly more casual use to emphasize a point via a relatable fact.
Your support has been vital, as illustrated by how much our community has grown this year.
Your support has been vital, as illustrated by how much our community has grown this year.
Connects an emotional sentiment to a tangible result.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional statement.
The company culture is improving, ___ the high employee retention rates.
The standard phrase is 'as illustrated by' followed by the evidence.
Complete the sentence to show evidence for a claim.
The project was a success, ___ the positive feedback from the client.
'As illustrated by' correctly introduces the client feedback as proof of success.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of Proof Phrases
Used with friends for simple examples.
'Like when...'
Good for everyday work talk.
'For example...'
Professional presentations and reports.
'As illustrated by...'
Legal or highly academic contexts.
'As evidenced by the aforementioned...'
When to use 'As Illustrated By'
Business Meeting
Pointing to a sales graph.
Academic Essay
Citing a specific case study.
Public Speaking
Sharing a story that proves a point.
Formal Email
Explaining a logic behind a decision.
Sarcastic Joke
Pointing out a friend's obvious mistake.
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsNo, in this context, it means 'shown' or 'made clear.' You can illustrate a point with a story, a statistic, or a physical object.
It is much less common. 'As illustrated by' is the standard idiomatic expression you should stick to for professional clarity.
Only if you are being slightly formal or funny. For example, I'm a mess, as illustrated by my hair right now works as a joke.
For example is more casual and versatile. As illustrated by is more formal and suggests a stronger logical link between the claim and the proof.
Yes, usually. If it's in the middle of a sentence like The plan worked, as illustrated by the results, the comma helps the flow.
Yes! You can say, As illustrated by the data on slide five, we need to pivot. This is a great way to lead into a point.
It is used equally in both British and American English. It is a universal professional expression across the English-speaking world.
Not at all. It actually sounds respectful because you are providing evidence rather than just expecting people to believe you blindly.
Absolutely! It's perfect for saying things like, I am a problem solver, as illustrated by the project I led last year.
That works too. You can say, The team is talented, as illustrated by Sarah's recent award.
Neither is 'better,' but as shown by is slightly simpler. As illustrated by feels a bit more sophisticated and descriptive.
Expressions liées
As evidenced by
A more formal way to say the same thing, often used in legal or scientific contexts.
To exemplify
A verb meaning to be a typical example of something.
Case in point
An idiom used to introduce a perfect example of what you are talking about.
As demonstrated by
Very similar to 'illustrated,' but often used when showing a process or action.
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