a key example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key example of" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when you want to highlight a particular example that is significant or important, in order to illustrate a point or idea. For example, "The Constitution of the United States is a key example of a document influencing countless generations with its principles of democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Tech

Michigan is a key example of how right-to-work battles can change the dynamics of a workplace and divide colleagues.

The Guardian - Money

AMONG family-law buffs, the case is seen as a key example of the messy ways in which religious and civil law can get entangled.

The Economist

"A key example of this is the benefit cap which we brought in to put a stop to sky-high benefit pay-outs.

Independent

The penalty is a key example of this, with Fenton progressing high up the pitch untracked before playing a one-two with Bonevacia and being fouled in the box.

The Guardian - Sport

A key example of this is the claimed figure of 40% of cases referred to the crown court when they could have been dealt with in the magistrates' court for sentencing.

The Guardian

She cites her role as the middle-aged, borderline alcoholic DCI Jane Tennison in Lynda La Plante's Prime Suspect as a key example of art imitating what was already happening in the workforce.

The Guardian

He cites football clubs as a key example of where local loyalties and spirit can be reinforced – and local banks as institutions that can inspire economic activity – if their governance is reformed.

The Guardian

"The main staircase, where stairs and landings are all cantilevered off a slim 400mm-thick central wall," wrote Elaine Knutt, "is a key example of structure working at the edge of tolerance.

The Guardian - Arts

It was a key example of the way in which those who were trying to expose the hacking scandal prior to the Milly Dowler revelation in July last year suffered from continual "official" denials of their (correct) allegations.

The Guardian

A key example of the failure by US forces to record civilian casualties they have inflicted comes in the two major urban battles against insurgents fought in 2004 in Falluja.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key example of" when you want to emphasize that the example is particularly important or representative of a broader concept. It adds weight to your argument and clarifies your point.

Common error

Avoid using "a key example of" repetitively in the same paragraph. Vary your language by using alternative phrases like "a prime illustration", "a notable instance", or "a significant demonstration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key example of" functions as a discourse marker, specifically used to introduce an instance that serves as a significant illustration of a broader point or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key example of" is a versatile phrase used to highlight a particularly important or representative instance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. As such, it effectively introduces concrete illustrations in various forms of writing, especially in scientific and journalistic contexts. Though it is good practice to vary language and avoid overusing this phrase, keep in mind that this type of phrase is effective when supporting ideas with targeted instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prime illustration of

Replaces 'key example' with 'prime illustration', emphasizing the illustrative aspect.

a notable instance of

Substitutes 'key example' with 'notable instance', focusing on the noteworthiness of the occurrence.

a significant demonstration of

Replaces 'key example' with 'significant demonstration', stressing the demonstrative quality and importance.

a telling case of

Changes 'key example' to 'telling case', implying that the example reveals something important.

a classic representation of

Replaces 'key example' with 'classic representation', suggesting the example is typical and well-known.

an important manifestation of

Changes 'key example' to 'important manifestation', focusing on the outward or tangible form of something.

a vivid illustration of

Substitutes 'key example' with 'vivid illustration', which emphasizes the clarity and detail of the example.

a striking depiction of

Replaces 'key example' with 'striking depiction', focusing on the visual or descriptive nature of the example.

a revealing demonstration of

Changes 'key example' to 'revealing demonstration', implying that the example uncovers or shows something previously unknown.

a central embodiment of

Replaces 'key example' with 'central embodiment', suggesting the example is a perfect representation of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a key example of" to introduce a specific instance that strongly supports your argument or clarifies a concept. For instance, "The French Revolution is "a key example of" how social inequality can lead to widespread upheaval".

What are some alternatives to using "a key example of" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can replace "a key example of" with alternatives like "a prime illustration of", "a notable instance of", or "a significant demonstration of".

Is it redundant to say "a key and important example of"?

Yes, using both "key" and "important" is redundant. "A key example of" already implies importance, so adding "important" is unnecessary. Choose one or the other.

When is it best to use "a key example of" versus simply stating an example?

Use ""a key example of"" when you want to draw specific attention to the fact that the example is particularly significant or representative. If the example is self-explanatory, directly stating it might be more efficient.