Offer a specific example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Offer a specific example" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when requesting clarification or illustration of a point in discussions or writing. For example, "To support your argument, please offer a specific example." Alternative expressions include "Provide a concrete example" and "Give a particular instance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But she declined to offer a specific example of where she had worked to compromise with Democrats to advance legislation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The experiment offered a specific example of the progressive impoverishment of vegetation where both cause and effect could be measured, something not possible in most instances of pollution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oreck offers a specific example: "Consider the case, which comes up every day, of a guest wanting to know about one of our on-property restaurants.

Forbes

22 This diagnosis in these individuals is made by the appearance of 'comet tails' on ultrasonography and offers a specific example of an extravascular fluid shift.

BMJ Open

Using UK law as an example, we offer a specific suggestion to lawmakers, around the world, for how this might be achieved, and conclude that the most successful approach would be to focus largely on a law targeting the providers of contract cheating, in particular commercial services.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

He did not offer a specific figure.

The New York Times

Offer a specific amount of money.

WikiHow

What we get instead is an approach one would expect from a supermarket gossip rag, not a serious business publication -- even though not a single anonymous source could offer a single specific example of the promised "clash between Arianna Huffington and Michael Arrington".

Huffington Post

He did, though, offer a few specific examples of larger partners, including the University of Alberta (40,000 students) and Mount Royal University 20,0000 students), for instance.

TechCrunch

In his remarks in Houston on Thursday, Tillerson did not offer any specific examples of the Trump directives he deemed illegal.

The Washington Post

He also did not offer any specific examples of how spending could be controlled, saying only that his advisers had been scouring the budget looking for programs that could be eliminated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "Offer a specific example", ensure the example is directly relevant and clearly illustrates the point you are making. A strong example enhances understanding and credibility.

Common error

Avoid providing examples that are too general or hypothetical. Instead, use concrete instances with enough detail to make the connection clear and convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Offer a specific example" functions as an imperative, directly requesting the provision of a particular instance. Ludwig's examples show its use in prompting for clarification or support in arguments. It's a request for concrete evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Offer a specific example" is a commonly used phrase that prompts for clarification and support through concrete instances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains. From news reports to academic discussions, this phrase serves to ground abstract concepts in tangible reality, enhancing both understanding and persuasiveness. Remember to provide clear and relevant examples to strengthen your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Provide a concrete instance

Replaces 'offer' with 'provide' and 'specific example' with 'concrete instance', emphasizing clarity.

Give a particular illustration

Substitutes 'offer' with 'give' and 'specific example' with 'particular illustration', focusing on detailed representation.

Illustrate with a precise case

Uses 'illustrate' to emphasize the act of clarifying, and 'precise case' instead of 'specific example'.

Share a relevant anecdote

Replaces 'example' with 'anecdote' implying a brief narrative to clarify the point.

Cite a telling incident

Uses 'cite' and 'telling incident', suggesting a significant event to exemplify the situation.

Present a representative situation

Emphasizes that the example is typical or characteristic.

Detail a pertinent scenario

Uses 'detail' to suggest a more thorough explanation of the example.

Point out a clear-cut situation

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the example.

Recount a demonstrative case

Uses 'recount' to focus on narrating the example.

Describe an applicable event

Focuses on the relevance of the event as an example.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Offer a specific example" in a sentence?

Use "Offer a specific example" to prompt someone to provide a clear, relevant illustration of their point. For instance, you might say, "To clarify your argument, "offer a specific example" that supports your claim."

What are some alternatives to "Offer a specific example"?

Alternatives include "provide a concrete instance", "give a particular illustration", or "illustrate with a precise case", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Offer a specific example" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need clarification or wish to strengthen an argument by grounding it in reality. Ensure the example is well-explained and directly relevant to the discussion.

What makes a good specific example when someone asks me to "Offer a specific example"?

A good specific example is clear, concise, and directly related to the point being discussed. It provides enough detail to be understood without being overly lengthy and strengthens the overall argument or explanation.