a melancholy example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a melancholy example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a sad or reflective illustration of a particular situation or condition. Example: "The abandoned house stood as a melancholy example of the once-thriving community that had long since faded away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is a melancholy example of that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So it was traditional: no opaqueness, no serious melancholy, an example of almost perfectly aligned straight-ahead jazz, with some of its limitations and a lot of its thrills.

The New York Times - Arts

But simply written, with humor, candor and melancholy, it's a master example of the "show, don't tell" principle.

The New York Times - Books

Throughout the album, Letissier's fantasies of freedom are tinged with a melancholy awareness of limits.

The New Yorker

100), in which the flutist Emily Beynon also participated — a sparkling example of the composer's cultivated wit interleaved by strains of melancholy.

The New York Times - Arts

Many works in "The Pictures Generation" exude a melancholy of clever artifice masking inexpressible emotion.

The New Yorker

And there is a melancholy air to some of it.

Los Angeles Times

Musically, "Miles Away" is a melancholy song with influences of ballad.

Wikipedia

By Jack Littlefield The New Yorker, July 28 , 1934P. 18 (Melancholy Notes on a Cablegram Book) Examples of the kind of messages going over the wires daily - in code.

The New Yorker

In one, a melancholy angel drops a handful of hearts down to earth from a cloud.

The New Yorker

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Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a melancholy example of" when you want to evoke a sense of sadness and reflection, suggesting that the example serves as a poignant illustration of a particular situation or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "a melancholy example of" in situations that are merely unfortunate or inconvenient but lack genuine depth of sadness or reflection. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a melancholy example of" functions as an appositive phrase, providing a descriptive and emotional commentary on a preceding noun or situation. It serves to frame the subject as a sad or reflective instance of something larger.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a melancholy example of" is a phrase used to describe something as a sad or reflective instance illustrating a broader situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct. Though infrequently used, its applications are found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it is recommended to deploy it where the context is truly reflective and profound, and to avoid melodramatic over-application. Alternative phrases like "a sad instance of" or "a depressing illustration of" can provide similar nuance. This phrase serves to encourage deeper consideration of the subject's implications through an emotional connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A sad instance of

Replaces "melancholy" with "sad", focusing on the feeling of sorrow associated with the example.

A depressing illustration of

Substitutes "melancholy" with "depressing", emphasizing the negative and disheartening nature of the example.

A lamentable case of

Uses "lamentable" to convey a sense of regret and sorrow regarding the situation the example represents.

A regrettable demonstration of

Replaces "melancholy" with "regrettable", highlighting the unfortunate or undesirable aspect of the example.

A sorrowful depiction of

Emphasizes the sorrowful nature of the example through the use of "sorrowful depiction".

A mournful representation of

Conveys a deep sense of sadness and mourning associated with the example.

A bleak portrayal of

Focuses on the grim and pessimistic aspects of the example using the word "bleak".

A disheartening instance of

Highlights the discouraging nature of the example.

A somber illustration of

Uses "somber" to convey a serious and grave tone associated with the example.

A dismal case of

Emphasizes the bleak and depressing aspects of the example.

FAQs

How can I use "a melancholy example of" in a sentence?

You can use "a melancholy example of" to introduce a situation or event that serves as a sad or reflective illustration of a broader issue. For example: "The empty factory stands as "a melancholy example of" industrial decline".

What are some alternatives to "a melancholy example of"?

Some alternatives include "a sad instance of", "a depressing illustration of", or "a lamentable case of". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a melancholy example of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a melancholy example of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or reflective topics. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the level of formality.

What's the difference between "a melancholy example of" and "a tragic example of"?

"A tragic example of" typically implies a greater sense of loss, suffering, or irreversible damage, while ""a melancholy example of"" suggests a more subdued and reflective sadness. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey.