a conspicuous example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conspicuous example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a clear or obvious instance of something, often in discussions or analyses. Example: "The recent climate change report provides a conspicuous example of the urgent need for environmental policy reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The Libyan intervention was a conspicuous example of its capacity for good.

The New York Times

Subsidized child care — financed by federal and state governments — is a conspicuous example.

The New York Times

A conspicuous example is Samsung, a Korean conglomerate making a name for itself in cellphone handsets using a clamshell design.

The New York Times

The statue is a conspicuous example of the Hellenistic sculptural tradition's academic traits and close reliance on older masterpieces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A conspicuous example came earlier this year when the Congressional Budget Office tried to evaluate the growth effects of the Bush administration's proposed tax cuts.

The New York Times - Magazine

After the world financial crisis, the Greek government's inability to repay its massive public debt made the nation a conspicuous example of the fallout.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Football is besieged by a powerful sense that it is beyond the magnetic pull of a moral compass and, if we are looking for any conspicuous example, the profile of Luis Suarez surely serves well enough.

Independent

Palmdale is merely a more conspicuous example of a deep transformation affecting scores of cities around the country, one of the main reasons that the economic impact of this new kind of battle will be far different from that of past wars.

The New York Times

The effect of US retail giant Wal-Mart's procurement practices on suppliers in the developing world is sometimes cited as a case in point [ 118], but this is arguably just an especially conspicuous example of a dynamic and a concentration of power that is intrinsic to buyer-driven commodity chains [ 119- 121].

Globalization and Health

That Facebook is letting a neo-Nazi promote and profit off its service is a particularly conspicuous example of the social media giant's struggle to contain extremism.

Huffington Post

School textbooks are a significant, conspicuous example of people trying to control societal memory.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conspicuous example" when you want to draw attention to a particular instance that clearly illustrates a point, making it easily noticeable and memorable for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a conspicuous example" excessively in formal academic or scientific writing. Opt for more nuanced phrases like "a notable instance" or "a significant demonstration" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conspicuous example" functions as a noun phrase within a sentence, serving to introduce a specific instance that clearly illustrates or exemplifies a broader point or concept. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conspicuous example" is a versatile phrase used to highlight an easily noticeable and illustrative instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable in numerous contexts, although it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Related phrases such as "a notable illustration" or "a striking demonstration" can offer alternatives for varied expression. The phrase is most prevalent in news, media, and scientific sources, demonstrating its broad applicability and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable illustration

Replaces 'example' with 'illustration', implying a visual or descriptive instance, and 'conspicuous' with 'notable', highlighting its importance.

a striking demonstration

Substitutes 'example' with 'demonstration', suggesting proof or evidence, and 'conspicuous' with 'striking', emphasizing its impact.

a remarkable instance

Replaces 'example' with 'instance', referring to a specific occurrence, and 'conspicuous' with 'remarkable', accentuating its uniqueness.

a prominent case

Changes 'example' to 'case', indicating a specific situation, and 'conspicuous' to 'prominent', highlighting its visibility and importance.

a clear manifestation

Replaces 'example' with 'manifestation', suggesting an outward display, and 'conspicuous' with 'clear', underscoring its obviousness.

an obvious illustration

Similar to the original but directly emphasizes the ease with which the example can be seen or understood.

an evident demonstration

Focuses on the plain and undeniable quality of the instance being provided.

a telling incident

Suggests the example is revealing and significant, providing insight into a broader issue.

a graphic portrayal

Highlights the vivid and detailed nature of the example, emphasizing its descriptive power.

a patent illustration

Emphasizes the open and obvious nature of the illustration being offered as an example.

FAQs

How to use "a conspicuous example" in a sentence?

You can use "a conspicuous example" to highlight an obvious instance of something. For example, "The company's financial losses are "a conspicuous example" of poor management."

What can I say instead of "a conspicuous example"?

You can use alternatives like "a notable instance", "a striking case", or "a clear illustration" depending on the context.

Is "a conspicuous example" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a conspicuous example" may sound somewhat informal in highly academic or scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "a significant instance" or "a demonstrable case" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "a conspicuous example" and "a flagrant example"?

"A conspicuous example" refers to something easily noticeable, while "a flagrant example" implies something shockingly noticeable, often due to its negativity or violation of standards.