a distinctive example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinctive example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific instance that stands out due to its unique characteristics or qualities. Example: "The artist's latest work is a distinctive example of modern abstract art, showcasing bold colors and innovative techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And the restaurant is on the National Register of Historic Places, cited as "a distinctive example of mid-20th-century American roadside architecture".

The New York Times

-- Designed by Machado & Silvetti Associates, this new graduate student residence for Harvard is a distinctive example of progressive contextualism: familiar elements like brickwork, courtyards and river views are embraced by contemporary design.

The New York Times - Arts

Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged as a distinctive example of a housing development that perfectly confronts the harsh desert climate and responds adequately to the basic needs of its users.

City, Territory and Architecture

Cadw (the Welsh Assembly Government body responsible for the built heritage of Wales and the inclusion of Welsh buildings on the statutory lists) describes the church as "a distinctive example of pre-archaeological gothic revival work".

Wikipedia

It is a Grade II listed building, a national designation given to "buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made to preserve them", in particular because it is regarded as "a distinctive example of pre-archaeological gothic revival work".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Passio Sanctarum Perpetuae et Felicitatis (The Passion of SS. Perpetua and Felicity), written in a style that owes little to classical precedent, is a distinctive early example of the genre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was true, he said, that private equity firms took a distinctive form in Sweden: a typical example would be a family firm that lacks the capital or the ambition to move to the next level of business development, so sells to a private equity firm.

The Economist

One distinctive example, which is also the focus of this study, is that two designed, closely related β-hairpins, Trpzip1 and Trpzip2, show very different aggregation behaviors.

Biochemistry

Below is a spectrum of the most vividly distinctive examples of video games invading our four-dimensional existence.

Vice

The structures were complex engineering feats and distinctive examples of both Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's not so important to have the same wines that I have, as long as you have distinctive examples.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a distinctive example", ensure that the example you provide truly showcases unique or noteworthy qualities that set it apart from others.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive" when the example is already inherently unique or the context makes it obvious. Saying something like, "This uniquely designed house is a distinctive example of modern architecture" is redundant. Just say it's a uniquely designed house or a distinctive example of modern architecture, but not both.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinctive example" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific instance that stands out due to its unique attributes. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinctive example" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight a specific instance possessing unique or noteworthy qualities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not overly frequent, appearing as "uncommon", it is suitable for various contexts, as seen in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. To enhance your writing, ensure the example genuinely showcases distinctive attributes and avoid redundant use of "distinctive" when the uniqueness is already apparent. For alternatives, consider "a notable instance" or "a remarkable case".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable instance

Emphasizes the quality of being worthy of attention, rather than explicitly unique.

a remarkable case

Highlights the unusual or exceptional nature of the example.

an exceptional illustration

Focuses on the example's ability to clearly demonstrate a concept or idea.

a prime demonstration

Stresses the example's superiority in showing something.

a textbook illustration

Implies the example is so clear it could be used for teaching.

a striking demonstration

Focuses on how attention-grabbing the example is.

a singular occurrence

Emphasizes the rarity and uniqueness of the event.

a noteworthy phenomenon

Highlights the significance of the observed event or situation.

a telling instance

Suggests that the example reveals important information.

an outstanding case

Stresses the example's superiority and prominence.

FAQs

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

Use "a distinctive example" to introduce an instance that clearly showcases unique characteristics. For example, "The Miss Albany Diner is "a distinctive example" of mid-20th-century American roadside architecture."

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

You can use alternatives like "a notable instance", "a remarkable case", or "an exceptional illustration" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "distinctive" before "example"?

No, using "distinctive" is only necessary when you want to emphasize the unique or noteworthy nature of the example. In many cases, simply using "an example" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "a typical example" and "a distinctive example"?

"A typical example" represents something that is common or representative, while "a distinctive example" showcases unique or noteworthy characteristics that set it apart. They are near antonyms.