To illustrate this point
Presentation and public speaking expression
字面意思: To draw a picture of this specific idea
Use this phrase to transition from a big theory to a real-world example during a presentation.
15秒了解
- Used to introduce a clear example for a complex idea.
- Best for presentations, essays, and serious professional discussions.
- Signals that a helpful story or fact is coming next.
意思
Think of this as a verbal bridge. You use it when you've just shared a big idea and want to give a real-life example to make it clear.
关键例句
3 / 6Giving a business presentation
Our customer service has improved; to illustrate this point, our wait times dropped by 50%.
Our customer service has improved; to show you what I mean, our wait times dropped by 50%.
Explaining a rule to a new roommate
We need to keep the kitchen clean. To illustrate this point, look at the ants by the sink.
We need to keep the kitchen clean. For example, look at the ants by the sink.
Discussing a friend's bad habit
You're always late! To illustrate this point, I've been waiting here for forty minutes.
You're always late! To give you an example, I've been waiting here for forty minutes.
文化背景
The phrase stems from the Latin 'illustrare', meaning to light up or brighten. In English-speaking cultures, being a 'clear communicator' is a highly valued trait in leadership. This phrase is a key tool for speakers who want to appear authoritative yet helpful.
The 'Pause' Trick
After saying 'To illustrate this point', take a tiny one-second pause. It builds anticipation for your example.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this phrase five times in one speech, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'For instance'.
15秒了解
- Used to introduce a clear example for a complex idea.
- Best for presentations, essays, and serious professional discussions.
- Signals that a helpful story or fact is coming next.
What It Means
Imagine you are explaining a complex idea. Your friend looks a bit confused. You need a way to show, not just tell. To illustrate this point is your signal. It tells the listener, "Hey, I'm about to give you a clear example." It turns abstract thoughts into concrete pictures in their mind. It is like turning on a flashlight in a dark room. You are helping them see exactly what you mean.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a sentence. First, state your main argument or fact. Then, say To illustrate this point, followed by your example. It works best with stories, statistics, or metaphors. You can use it in writing or speaking. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful. It shows you care about the listener's understanding.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for professional settings. Use it during a business presentation to show data. It works well in academic essays to support a thesis. You can also use it in serious discussions with friends. If you are explaining a life lesson, this phrase adds weight. It is great for job interviews when describing your skills. Use it whenever clarity is your main goal.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual, fast-paced chats. Don't use it while ordering a pizza or shouting over loud music. It can sound a bit "teachy" or stiff in a relaxed bar setting. If you are texting your best friend about a movie, just use like. Using it too often makes you sound like a textbook. Save it for when the "point" actually needs illustrating.
Cultural Background
English speakers value clarity and directness in communication. This phrase comes from the world of art and books. Illustrate literally means to provide pictures for a story. In Western rhetoric, we love using "word pictures" to prove we are right. It reflects a culture that prizes logic and evidence. It has been a staple of formal English for centuries.
Common Variations
You might hear people say To give you an example. Others might use For instance or Case in point. A more modern version is Let me show you what I mean. In very formal writing, you might see As an illustration. All of these do the same job. They move the conversation from the "cloud" of ideas to the "ground" of reality.
使用说明
This phrase is firmly in the 'formal' to 'neutral' category. It is a powerful transition tool that helps maintain the flow of a logical argument without sounding aggressive.
The 'Pause' Trick
After saying 'To illustrate this point', take a tiny one-second pause. It builds anticipation for your example.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this phrase five times in one speech, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'For instance'.
Visual Language
English speakers love visual metaphors. Using words like 'illustrate' or 'see' helps people process information faster.
例句
6Our customer service has improved; to illustrate this point, our wait times dropped by 50%.
Our customer service has improved; to show you what I mean, our wait times dropped by 50%.
Here, it introduces a specific statistic to prove a general claim.
We need to keep the kitchen clean. To illustrate this point, look at the ants by the sink.
We need to keep the kitchen clean. For example, look at the ants by the sink.
Uses a physical example to justify a household rule.
You're always late! To illustrate this point, I've been waiting here for forty minutes.
You're always late! To give you an example, I've been waiting here for forty minutes.
Used to provide evidence in a personal argument.
Gravity pulls everything down. To illustrate this point, watch what happens when I drop this pen.
Gravity pulls everything down. To show you, watch what happens when I drop this pen.
Introduces a physical demonstration of a concept.
He is so clumsy. To illustrate this point, he just tripped over a flat rug.
He is so clumsy. As an example, he just tripped over a flat rug.
A slightly formal phrase used for humorous effect in a casual text.
I am a problem solver. To illustrate this point, I once saved my previous company $10,000.
I am a problem solver. To prove this, I once saved my previous company $10,000.
Used to introduce a professional achievement.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional statement.
The software is very user-friendly. ___, even my grandmother can use it without help.
This phrase correctly introduces the example of the grandmother using the software.
Which phrase fits best in a formal essay?
Exercise improves mental health. ___, studies show a 20% increase in happiness scores.
'To illustrate this point' is the most appropriate formal transition for an academic context.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'To Illustrate This Point'
Talking to a sibling about lunch.
Like...
Explaining a game to a friend.
For example...
Giving a speech or writing a report.
To illustrate this point...
When to use 'To Illustrate This Point'
Boardroom Meeting
Showing quarterly growth charts.
University Lecture
Explaining a scientific theory.
Job Interview
Proving you have leadership skills.
Serious Debate
Providing evidence for an argument.
常见问题
10 个问题It is a bit formal, but not weird. You can use it when you want to be taken seriously or explain something clearly.
Yes, it is excellent for professional emails. It helps organize your thoughts and makes your arguments stronger.
'For example' is shorter and more common. 'To illustrate this point' feels more deliberate and emphasizes the 'why' behind the example.
In this context, no. It means to clarify or explain using examples, though it metaphorically 'paints a picture' in the mind.
Yes! Changing 'this' to 'my' makes it feel slightly more personal and is very common.
Only if you are being slightly sarcastic or very serious. Otherwise, it might feel too heavy for a quick text.
It almost always goes at the very beginning of the sentence that contains your example.
Absolutely. It is a classic transition phrase for essays and research papers to introduce evidence.
That is perfect. You can say, To illustrate this point, let me tell you a story...
It is used equally in both! It is a standard part of Global English for professional settings.
相关表达
For instance
Case in point
By way of illustration
To give you an idea
Let me demonstrate
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