a crucial example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crucial example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an important or significant instance that illustrates a point or concept. Example: "In the study of climate change, the melting of polar ice caps serves as a crucial example of the impact of global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Blinding of Samson is a crucial example of satirical potency where Rembrandt is holding the spear and doing the blinding.

The Guardian

A crucial example is a centerpiece of the bill, the creation of an agency to protect consumers from abuse by financial companies.

The New York Times

The seascape, which depicts boats between two piers in the foreground and three boats farther out to sea, is a crucial example of a painting executed on the eve of Impressionism.

The New York Times - Arts

Torre's book explains that Rodriguez is a crucial example of why the Yanks have fallen from their dynastic high to a team that's struggled to get out of the division series, despite adding a slew of high-priced players.

The New York Times - Books

Self-care sets a crucial example for your kids about the relationship between taking care of yourself and being able to take care of others.

Huffington Post

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) identified A. baumannii among the top seven pathogens threatening our healthcare-delivery system and as a crucial example of unmet medical need [ 18].

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Instances of mutual support are too many to name, but Jung pointed out a few crucial examples: In the 1960s, Japanese Americans Richard Aoki and Mike Tagawa joined the Black Panther Party.

Huffington Post

Some will be outraged at the presentation; others may see a crucial, modern example of the artist as sick man.

The New York Times

A small country of 3.4 million legalising weed is, on the global scale, a tiny occurrence, but it might just be that crucial example, the hiding-in-plain-sight truth, that all it takes is bold decisions and bold leadership to turn ideas into action.

Vice

A small country of 3.4 million legalizing weed is, on the global scale, a tiny occurrence, but it might just be that crucial example, the hiding-in-plain-sight truth, that all it takes is bold decisions and bold leadership to turn ideas into action.

Vice

One crucial example has been the fate of Moqtada al-Sadr.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crucial example", ensure the example genuinely underscores the main point and is easily understood by your audience. A weak example diminishes the impact.

Common error

Avoid labeling every illustration as "a crucial example". Overuse dilutes the phrase's impact and can make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely pivotal instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crucial example" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving to identify and emphasize a particular instance as being of critical importance. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase typically introduces a specific case that significantly supports a broader argument or concept.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crucial example" is a noun phrase employed to highlight the significant importance of a specific instance. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, notably in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it serves to emphasize key points effectively. When employing this phrase, ensure that the example genuinely supports your argument and is readily understandable. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for truly pivotal instances to maintain the strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A key instance

Replaces 'crucial' with 'key', suggesting essential importance.

A critical demonstration

Replaces 'crucial' with 'critical', suggesting decisive importance.

A vital illustration

Substitutes 'example' with 'illustration', emphasizing the clarifying aspect of the instance.

A significant case

Emphasizes the importance of the situation, using 'case' instead of 'example'.

An important illustration

Replaces 'crucial' with 'important', suggesting considerable significance.

A telling demonstration

Replaces 'example' with 'demonstration', highlighting how it proves a point.

A central instance

Replaces 'crucial' with 'central', suggesting fundamental relevance.

A prime exemplar

Uses 'prime' and 'exemplar' to denote a top-tier instance serving as a model.

A fundamental case

Replaces 'crucial' with 'fundamental', suggesting basic relevance.

A notable occurrence

Shifts focus to the event itself being noteworthy, not just its illustrative quality.

FAQs

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

Use "a crucial example" to highlight a significant instance that illustrates a key point. For example, "The rapid melting of glaciers is "a crucial example" of climate change's impact".

What are some alternatives to "a crucial example"?

You can use alternatives like "a key instance", "a vital illustration", or "a significant case" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Use "a crucial example" when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular instance in supporting your argument or explanation. It's best used when the example is decisive or pivotal.

Is there a difference between "a crucial example" and "an important example"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "a crucial example" suggests that the example is not just important but essential or decisive for understanding the point being made. "An important example" simply highlights the example's relevance.