a negative example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a negative example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a poor model or illustration of a particular concept or behavior. Example: "The company's failure to meet its deadlines is a negative example of poor project management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

The 57-year-old talk show host recently responded to West's Power 106 Breakfast Club interview in which Kanye used Hall as a negative example of what can potentially happen if he's too vocal.

Huffington Post

Speaking in San Jose to a packed stadium of around 12,000, many of whom paid between $650 and $2,995 to attend his Unleash the Power Within (UPW) event, Robbins, a world-renowned life coach known for his profanity-laden approach to self-help, characterized #MeToo as a negative example of people attempting to gain "significance," according to multiple audience members.

Vice

Con: This may serve as a negative example of a careless tutor not paying attention or showing appreciation.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Next, we give a negative example to show the nonexistence of the desired optimal feedback operator.

Probability, Uncertainty and Quantitative Risk

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

The New Yorker

However, the student brought in the biography as a negative example because of how the book revealed Kissinger's deeply petty and vindictive nature.

Huffington Post

(For a negative example, think of the Kerry campaigns disastrous decision that the Swift Boat ads could not possibly hurt him and so should not be dignified with a response).

Huffington Post

But they saw her as being a negative example, and one of their main problems is: Why did she lie?

The New York Times

It is incomprehensible and saddening that Governor Romney has repeatedly used Greece's present crisis and dire situation as a negative example in front of national audiences, insulting the Greek people and amplifying an adverse perception the country faces and by that, contributing to the realization of a self-­fulfilling prophecy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a negative example of", ensure the context clearly identifies what the example is failing to achieve or what behavior it is intended to discourage. For clarity, follow up with a description of the positive alternative.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on "a negative example of" without offering a constructive alternative or solution. Balance criticism with positive suggestions to maintain a helpful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a negative example of" serves as a determiner and noun phrase, functioning to identify and categorize something as a poor or undesirable illustration of a particular concept or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a negative example of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to illustrate something undesirable or to be avoided. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it’s usable in written English across various contexts, although it appears more frequently in News & Media and Scientific domains. While the phrase itself is straightforward, its effectiveness relies on clearly defining the shortcomings of the example and, ideally, providing a positive alternative for contrast. When writing, be mindful to balance criticism with constructive insights to enhance the overall message and prevent unintended negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor illustration of

This directly replaces "example" with "illustration", focusing on the lack of quality in representing something.

an undesirable model

This highlights that the example should not be copied or followed due to its negative qualities.

a flawed instance of

This highlights the imperfections and shortcomings present in the example.

a cautionary tale

This alternative highlights the instructive aspect of the negative example, emphasizing a story or situation that warns against certain actions.

a deterrent example

This presents the example as something that should discourage others from similar actions.

a prime example of failure

This alternative focuses specifically on failure as the defining characteristic of the example.

an unfortunate case of

This emphasizes the regrettable nature of the situation used as the negative example.

a bad precedent

This alternative emphasizes the potential for the example to set an undesirable standard for future actions.

a textbook case of what not to do

This stresses the instructive aspect of the example, presenting it as a clear guide on what to avoid.

a counterexample

This alternative is most appropriate in mathematical or logical contexts, referring to an example that disproves a general statement.

FAQs

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

Use "a negative example of" to illustrate a situation or behavior that should be avoided. For instance, "The project's delays are a negative example of poor planning."

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

You can use alternatives like "a poor illustration of", "a cautionary tale", or "an undesirable model" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "a negative example of" and "a good example of"?

"A negative example of" demonstrates something to avoid, while "a good example of" showcases something to emulate. They serve opposite purposes in illustrating concepts.

Is it always necessary to provide a positive counterpart when using "a negative example of"?

While not always mandatory, providing a positive counterpart can enhance understanding and offer a constructive perspective. It helps balance criticism with potential solutions or better approaches.