a brutal example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brutal example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particularly harsh or severe instance of something, often to illustrate a point or highlight a negative aspect. Example: "The documentary provided a brutal example of the consequences of climate change, showcasing the devastation faced by vulnerable communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Attawapiskat is a brutal example".

The Guardian

The pivotal game which not only brought the Six Nations alive to the final minutes but showed a brutal example of Welsh refusal to buckle.

The Guardian - Sport

A poet first and foremost, Brecht's career was a brutal example of the often competing calls of art and ideology upon the poet's art.

The Guardian

The story around the closure reveals much about the priorities of a regime already under the international magnifying glass after the jailing of Yulia Tymoshenko, the former Prime Minister and Orange Revolution darling, following a trial that was condemned as a brutal example of political revenge.

Independent

If England can take something away from this defeat, it is that this was a brutal example of what they need to overcome if they hope to make an impact at the sharp end of next summer's European Championship.

BBC

Eglis' story is a brutal example of the healthcare gap for immigrant women.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

An element of S(A˜) amounts to a mapping f : A˜ → X, assigning to each test E ∈ A, an outcome f(E) ∈ E. This is a (rather brutal) example of what is meant by a contextual (dispersion-free) hidden variable.

SEP

The Sheridan, which forms a barrier between poor Puerto Rican and Dominican communities in the South Bronx and the Bronx River, was a particular brutal example of Robert Moses' urban renewal projects.

The New York Times - Arts

Like a chase scene made up of sentences that run on and on and ultimately leave readers breathless, or like a concert description that stops and starts, that swings and sways, that makes us stamp our feet and clap our hands — the nonlinear design of Powers's novel is a beautifully brutal example of style matching content.

The New York Times - Books

But even for London this development is a particularly brutal example of social stratification, given that the whole point of forcing developers to include affordable housing along with the posh bits was to encourage residents to mix naturally and break down social barriers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, we should be leading the charge against this most brutal example of patriarchy and all those who support it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brutal example" to emphasize the severity or harshness of a situation or concept you're illustrating. It's particularly effective when you want to evoke a strong emotional response or highlight the negative consequences of something.

Common error

Avoid using "a brutal example" in situations where sensitivity is paramount. The phrase can be perceived as insensitive or overly dramatic if the context doesn't warrant such strong language. Consider milder alternatives like "a harsh example" or "a severe case" when discussing delicate topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brutal example" functions as a noun phrase, where "brutal" modifies "example". It serves to characterize a specific instance as particularly harsh or severe. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brutal example" is a phrase used to describe a particularly harsh or severe instance of something, often to emphasize a negative aspect or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it is generally acceptable in professional and neutral registers. When using "a brutal example", be mindful of the context and consider alternative phrases like "a harsh instance" or "a severe case" if a milder tone is more appropriate. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase effectively highlights the severity of a situation and can evoke a strong emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a harsh instance

Replaces 'brutal' with 'harsh', softening the tone while maintaining the severity of the example.

a severe case

Focuses on the intensity and seriousness of the situation being exemplified.

a stark illustration

Emphasizes the clarity and bluntness of the example in highlighting a particular point.

a graphic depiction

Highlights the vivid and often unsettling nature of the example.

an extreme manifestation

Suggests that the example is an instance of something taken to its furthest or most intense degree.

a painful illustration

Focuses on the negative emotional impact of the example.

a glaring instance

Emphasizes how obvious and undeniable the example is.

a shocking demonstration

Highlights the surprise or disbelief that the example might evoke.

a telling case

Suggests the example reveals significant information about a broader issue.

a critical lesson

Frames the example as something from which important knowledge can be gained.

FAQs

How can I use "a brutal example" in a sentence?

Use "a brutal example" to illustrate a point by highlighting a particularly harsh or severe instance. For example, "The Attawapiskat situation is "a brutal example" of the challenges faced by First Nations communities".

What are some alternatives to "a brutal example"?

You can use alternatives like "a harsh instance", "a severe case", or "a stark illustration" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a brutal example"?

It's appropriate to use "a brutal example" when you want to emphasize the severity or harshness of a particular situation or outcome. It's suitable when illustrating negative consequences or evoking a strong emotional response.

How does "a brutal example" differ from "a stark example"?

"A brutal example" emphasizes the harshness and severity of the instance, while "a stark example" focuses on the clarity and bluntness of the illustration. "Brutal" implies a stronger emotional impact and potential for suffering.