a negative example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a negative example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an instance that illustrates what not to do or a poor practice in a particular context. Example: "In our discussion about effective communication, let me show you a negative example of how not to respond to feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Bella, she says, isn't "a negative example of empowerment".

The Guardian - Film

Some say they exploit Mexican-American stereotypes and are a negative example of Latino culture.

The New York Times - Arts

It occurred to me that a negative example — an example of something that wasn't art — could perhaps be instructive.

The New Yorker

-- decided to use the one image the author explicitly, and properly, uses as a negative example inside the book.

The New York Times

And even the successful uprising in Kyrgyzstan last year is seen elsewhere as a negative example.

The Economist

Spending time in Berlin last fall, I noticed how often Nazism was invoked in artistic matters not as history but as a negative example for contemporary style.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Wolf's scattered new tome wants to be that scream, but instead it provides a blueprint, a valuable negative example, for the important book that will be written one day.

The New York Times - Books

It is a matter of semantics as well as a great challenge to define a true negative example when it comes to mature miRNAs.

Plosone

Bill Clinton is a favorite negative example of Frank's, and no one should be surprised if Barack Obama soon becomes another.

The New Yorker

A stock negative example is "The gardener is watering the plants with fire" (agninā siñcati).

SEP

Secondly, we use a novel negative example generation method for assessing protein interaction reliability.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a negative example", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the undesirable outcome or behavior being illustrated. Provide enough detail so the reader understands what to avoid.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or stereotypes based solely on "a negative example". A single instance might not be representative of a larger group or situation. Always consider other factors and evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a negative example" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify something that should be avoided or considered undesirable. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in illustrating poor practices, cautionary tales, or undesirable outcomes in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a negative example" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to illustrate what should be avoided. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While there are several alternative phrases such as "cautionary tale" or "poor illustration", it's important to use them appropriately and provide sufficient context to prevent misinterpretation or overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative instance

Maintains the structure but replaces 'example' with 'instance', a more formal synonym.

unfavorable example

Replaces 'negative' with 'unfavorable', offering a slightly softer tone.

poor illustration

Substitutes 'negative' with 'poor' and 'example' with 'illustration', altering the tone slightly.

deterrent example

Highlights the aspect of discouraging similar behavior through the example.

an undesirable model

Uses 'model' as a more formal synonym for example and 'undesirable' for negative.

cautionary tale

Replaces the entire phrase with a noun that encapsulates the idea of a story with a warning.

bad precedent

Focuses on the potential for a situation to set an undesirable standard for the future.

object lesson in what not to do

Expands the phrase to fully articulate its instructive purpose in avoiding certain actions.

a case to avoid

Uses simpler terminology to describe something that one should try not to repeat or emulate.

a typical pitfall

Refers to the example as a common mistake or trap to be avoided.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a negative example" in writing?

When using "a negative example", ensure it is relevant to your argument, clearly illustrates the point you're making, and is presented with sufficient context to avoid misinterpretation. Always balance it with positive examples or counterarguments if necessary.

What are some alternatives to using "a negative example"?

You can use alternatives like "cautionary tale", "bad precedent", or "poor illustration" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use a positive example or "a negative example" in an argument?

The choice between a positive and "a negative example" depends on your objective. Positive examples showcase desirable outcomes, while "a negative example" highlights what to avoid. Using both can provide a balanced and compelling argument.

When is it inappropriate to use "a negative example"?

Avoid using "a negative example" if it unfairly targets a particular group or individual, lacks sufficient context, or promotes harmful stereotypes. Ensure your example is relevant and presented responsibly.