An illustrative sentence will help you:

• clarify the meaning of a lexeme.
• use a word in the correct grammatical context.
• gain insight into the culture and literary style of the language.

An illustrative sentence is an example that clarifies the usage of a particular sense of a lexeme.

Here are some characteristics of a good illustrative sentence:

• It clarifies the meaning of the lexeme.
• It illustrates the meaning as defined in the sense.
• It contains characteristic elements that reinforce and constrain the meaning, such as
• attribute
• behavior or action
• usage
• position or location, and
• material composition.
• See: How to test an illustrative sentence for specificity
• It is easy to understand.
• It is simple in construction (up to about 10 words).
• It is clear in its references.
• It is accurate.
• It is accurate in grammar.
• It is consistent.
• It is accurate in its information about the culture.
• It is true to the value system of the culture.
• It is practical.
• It is useable by a language learner in daily life.

Here are some useful sources for illustrative sentences:

• Literary publications that are
• written by respected speakers of the local language
• traditional, but not archaic (unless you are illustrating an archaic word or a specific style), and
• in the modern vernacular
• Texts of stories and conversations
• Elicited material that a language associate has obtained or provided

Bartholomew and Schoenhals 1983:60-62: