a key example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight an important or significant instance that illustrates a point or concept. Example: "The study of climate change provides a key example of how human activity impacts the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Medicine is a key example.

Columbia University

Only because it's such a key example.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He mentioned the Lobbying Act as a key example.

The Guardian

A key example here is Capcom's RE7 demo.

The Guardian - Tech

The Katahdin Esker in Maine, USA is a key example.

Nature

The legacy of redrawn borders is a key example.

The New York Times

A key example of this is in navigating the game's front-end.

The Guardian - Tech

The Peaceful Village section of Uncharted 2 is a key example.

The Guardian - Tech

His weird vision changed a lot of things in popular culture; games are a key example.

The Guardian - Tech

So - the Sunday Times thalidomide journalism of the 1960s is a key example.

The Guardian

Even in Egypt, which Mason uses as a key example, these are false targets.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the example you provide after using "a key example" is directly relevant to the topic and adds substantial insight, rather than being a superficial or loosely related illustration.

Common error

Avoid using "a key example" for trivial or self-evident points. Reserve it for situations where the example significantly clarifies or strengthens your argument, preventing overuse from diluting its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key example" functions as a discourse marker or signal phrase. It's used to introduce an instance or illustration that is particularly important or revealing in supporting an argument or explaining a concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key example" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to introduce significant illustrative instances across various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and utility. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science, making it appropriate for both formal and informal writing styles. When using "a key example", ensure the subsequent instance is relevant and impactful to reinforce your argument effectively. Alternatives such as "a prime illustration" or "a notable instance" can provide variety while maintaining clarity. Using this phrase effectively will strengthen your writing by highlighting crucial evidence and clarifying complex ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prime illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration" and "key" with "prime", emphasizing the clarity and suitability of the illustration.

a notable instance

Substitutes "example" with "instance" and "key" with "notable", highlighting the significance and worthiness of attention of the instance.

a significant case

Replaces "example" with "case" and "key" with "significant", focusing on the importance and impact of the specific situation.

a telling demonstration

Substitutes "example" with "demonstration" and "key" with "telling", indicating that the demonstration is revealing and insightful.

a classic exemplar

Replaces "example" with "exemplar" and "key" with "classic", implying that the exemplar is well-known and serves as a standard.

a striking instance

Substitutes "example" with "instance" and "key" with "striking", drawing attention to the remarkable and noticeable nature of the instance.

a powerful illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration" and "key" with "powerful", highlighting the strong and impactful nature of the illustration.

a remarkable demonstration

Replaces "example" with "demonstration" and "key" with "remarkable", emphasizing the exceptional and noteworthy quality of the demonstration.

an instructive case

Replaces "example" with "case" and "key" with "instructive", suggesting that the case provides valuable lessons and insights.

a central illustration

Substitutes "example" with "illustration" and "key" with "central", indicating that the illustration is fundamental and essential.

FAQs

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

Use "a key example" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader point or concept. For instance, "The impact of social media on political campaigns is "a key example" of technology's influence on modern society."

What are some alternatives to "a key example"?

You can use alternatives like "a prime example", "a notable instance", or "a significant case depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in emphasizing the importance and relevance of the example.

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

Use "a key example" when you want to highlight a particularly important or illustrative instance that supports your argument or explains a concept effectively. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing contexts.

What makes "a key example" different from a typical example?

"A key example" implies that the instance is particularly significant or representative of a larger trend or phenomenon. It suggests that this example is crucial for understanding the topic at hand, unlike a regular example that might simply provide a general illustration.