Cool MateExample vs Illustration
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Example
Illustration
| Example | Illustration | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzɑːmpl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmpl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪləˈstreɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪləˈstreɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A sample or model of something to show how it works. | A picture or drawing that explains something. |
| Example | Please follow this example to complete your assignment. | The book includes a beautiful illustration on every page. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody | black-and-white, colour/color, coloured/colored, depict something, show something, accompany something, in an/the illustration, with an/the illustration, illustration by, excellent, good, perfect, serve as, give (somebody), offer, purposes, as an illustration, by way of illustration |
| Antonyms | counterexample, exception | confusion, ambiguity |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'exemplary', which means perfect or model., Using 'example' in plural without 'examples' when talking about multiple cases., Mispronouncing it as 'egg-zample' instead of 'ig-zample'. | Confused with 'illustrate' — remember 'illustration' is the noun., Using 'illustration' when speaking about the act of drawing instead of the result., Incorrect pluralization, saying 'illustrations' when referring to one drawing. |
| Usage notes | Use 'example' when illustrating a point or providing a representation. It's suitable in most contexts, but avoid in very casual situations where simpler words may be more appropriate. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often seen in educational settings or as part of books and articles. Avoid in overly casual conversations where simpler words may suffice. |
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Frequently asked questions: Example vs Illustration
What's the difference between Example and Illustration?
Example: A sample or model of something to show how it works. Illustration: A picture or drawing that explains something.
Which is more common: Example and Illustration?
Example is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Example and Illustration?
Illustration is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Example and Illustration the same CEFR level?
Example: A1, Illustration: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Example and Illustration?
Example: noun, Illustration: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Example: Please follow this example to complete your assignment. Illustration: The book includes a beautiful illustration on every page.
Can I use Example and Illustration interchangeably?
Not always. Example and Illustration are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.