a key example is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key example is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a significant or illustrative instance that supports a point or argument you are making. Example: "In discussing the impact of climate change, a key example is the melting of polar ice caps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A key example is the LittleBigPlanet series of platforming adventures from Guildford-based studio Media Molecule, which often plans out its games as Postgate-style drawings and animations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A key example is Cloud Nine, by Buckminster Fuller (1895 1983), the renowned twentieth century inventor and visionary, who dedicated his life to making the world work for all humanity.

Yale University

In modern times, a key example is Arnold Wesker's turn-of-the-60s trilogy comprising Roots, Chicken Soup With Barley and I'm Talking About Jerusalem, his escalating examinations of the nature of Judaism finding a sort of Irish equivalent around three decades later in Billy Roche's haunting The Wexford Trilogy, which presents a triple perspective on a rural community.

The Guardian

A key example is an attractor described in terms of the IFS that generates it.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

A key example is Starbucks, which is supporting projects in Mexico and Indonesia to demonstrate how sustainable coffee growing practices (e.g., shade-grown coffee, which helps to preserve natural forests) can contribute to climate change solutions and improved farmer livelihoods.

Forbes

A key example is the Square POS that offers no choice in other payment processors but has a marketplace of integrations, whereas Micros and Aloha support many payment processors but have few external product integrations.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A key example was the union's agreement with EA Sports, which generates at least $25 million a year for the use of player identities in the popular Madden video game series.

The New York Times - Sports

Some then-accepted physical theories were inconsistent with that framework; a key example was Newton's theory of gravity, which describes the mutual attraction experienced by bodies due to their mass.

Wikipedia

One key example is a chart compiled in March 2005 by D. Kyle Sampson, then Gonzales's chief of staff, that evaluated all 93 U.S. attorneys.

The Washington Post

A number of key examples are discussed below.

BMC Health Services Research

The setting is a corrupt, middle-American township (key examples being King's Row, Peyton Place and Some Came Running).

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key example is" to clearly signal that you are providing a specific instance to support a broader point or argument. This phrase works well in both formal and informal writing to add clarity and weight to your claims.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "a key example is". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "for instance" or "a notable instance is" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key example is" functions as a transitional phrase used to introduce a significant or illustrative instance. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it is used across various contexts to provide specific support to a general statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key example is" serves as a useful phrase to introduce illustrative instances within various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While grammatically sound, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives to maintain writing dynamism. The phrase functions to clarify and support arguments and should not be utilized at the beginning of numerous consecutive sentences. This ensures a balanced and effective communication style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prime illustration is

Replaces "example" with "illustration" to provide a visual or descriptive connotation.

a notable instance is

Substitutes "example" with "instance", highlighting a particular occurrence.

a significant case is

Emphasizes the importance of the example, framing it as a specific case study.

a telling demonstration is

Highlights the illustrative quality of the example, suggesting it reveals something important.

a representative sample is

Presents the example as typical of a larger group or category.

an illuminating exemplar is

Replaces "example" with a more formal "exemplar", stressing its clarifying nature.

a classic demonstration is

Highlights the example like a gold standard for similar cases.

consider

Uses a verb to invite consideration of an example, streamlining the phrase.

for instance

A common and concise way to introduce an example.

to illustrate

Offers a direct and simple way to introduce an example.

FAQs

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

Use "a key example is" to introduce a specific case or instance that illustrates a broader point. For example: "When discussing effective leadership, "a key example is" Nelson Mandela's ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds".

What are some alternatives to "a key example is"?

Alternatives include "for instance", "a notable instance is", or "to illustrate". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it always necessary to introduce an example with "a key example is"?

No, it is not always necessary. While "a key example is" provides a clear signal that an example is coming, you can also introduce examples more subtly, depending on the flow and style of your writing. Sometimes, simply stating the example directly is more effective.

What's the difference between "a key example is" and "the main example is"?

"A key example is" suggests that there may be other relevant examples, but you are highlighting one of particular importance. "The main example is" implies that you are focusing on the single most important or representative instance, potentially excluding others.