a notorious example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notorious example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a well-known instance of something, often with a negative connotation, highlighting its infamous nature. Example: "The scandal involving the politician became a notorious example of corruption in government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Mexico is a notorious example".

The New York Times

Bridgestone/Firestone and Ford provide a notorious example.

Harvard Business Review

Nigeria is a notorious example of such corruption, but not a unique one.

The Economist

A notorious example is glatiramer acetate (GA), a complex polypeptide mixture useful for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

Whiplash injuries in car crashes, sustained in suspiciously high numbers in Britain, are a notorious example.

The Guardian

A notorious example is an unlawful arrest or the use of detention by the police to obtain a confession.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Take a now notorious example: the book published in 1995 as Bruchstücke (in English, Fragments ) by Binjamin Wilkomirski, which purported to be the memories of a man who survived the Nazi death camps as a Polish Jewish child.

The Guardian - Books

The case of Stefan Nystrom has become a rather notorious example of this (Foster, 2009).

Comparative Migration Studies

Perhaps a most notorious example of this policy is the case of the Pentagon/security contracting.

HuffPost

A now notorious example is the pizza parlor that said it would refuse to serve gay people.

Huffington Post

A recent, more notorious, example is that of Sandra Amezquita, a pregnant woman who thrown to the ground by police after questioning the arrest of her son.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a notorious example" when you want to highlight a well-known instance, especially one with negative or scandalous connotations, to support your argument or illustrate a point effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a notorious example" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "a prime example" or "a well-known instance" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notorious example" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a specific instance known for its negative or scandalous qualities. It serves to illustrate a point by referencing a widely recognized, often criticized, event or situation, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

26%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a notorious example" is a phrase used to introduce a well-known instance, typically with negative connotations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing. While effective for illustrating a point, especially one involving scandal or infamy, it should be used cautiously in highly formal contexts where a more neutral tone is preferable. Alternatives such as "a prime example" or "a well-known instance" may be more appropriate in those situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an infamous instance

This alternative emphasizes the disrepute and ill-fame associated with the example.

a scandalous example

It's a high degree of moral impropriety; causing outrage. Indicates that it violates the accepted moral standard.

a well-known instance

This phrase focuses on the familiarity of the example, without necessarily implying it is negative.

a famous case

Similar to 'well-known instance', but emphasizes the widespread recognition of the example.

a prime example

This phrase is a more neutral alternative, indicating a typical or excellent instance without necessarily implying negativity.

a classic case

This alternative suggests a typical instance that has been observed many times.

a typical example

Focuses on the representativeness of the example, suggesting it is common or characteristic.

a textbook example

This implies that the example is so clear and representative that it could be used for teaching purposes.

a striking example

This phrase emphasizes the impressiveness or unexpectedness of the instance.

a conspicuous example

This highlights how easily the example can be spotted or noticed. It is something that stands out.

FAQs

How can I use "a notorious example" in a sentence?

You can use "a notorious example" to introduce a well-known instance of something, especially something negative. For example, "The Enron scandal is "a notorious example" of corporate fraud".

What are some alternatives to "a notorious example"?

Alternatives include "a prime example", "a classic case", "a well-known instance", or "an infamous instance", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a notorious example" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a notorious example" may be too informal or judgmental for some formal writing contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "a significant example" or "a key instance" to maintain a professional tone.

What distinguishes "a notorious example" from "a famous example"?

"A notorious example" implies that the example is well-known for negative reasons, such as scandal or infamy. In contrast, "a famous example" simply means the example is widely recognized, without necessarily carrying negative connotations.