a poignant example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poignant example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a particularly moving or significant instance of something, often in discussions of literature, art, or social issues. Example: "The novel serves as a poignant example of the struggles faced by marginalized communities throughout history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Here's a poignant example of slow gone fast.

The New York Times

It is a poignant example of the times we live in.

The Guardian

There was a poignant example of this in the case of 19-year-old Petra Blanksby.

The Guardian

It's a poignant example of how kids are really good at making really bad decisions about food.

The Washington Post

It also provides a poignant example of why an international arms trade treaty (ATT) is so desperately needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there are those for whom social papers are simply an expression of economic muscle, or a poignant example of social anxiety.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

A poignant example is that of Geeta Rani of Hoshiarpur, Punjab, whose husband, Jasveer, was killed by a group of people from his village.

BBC

It is a poignant example, he said, of how a small cut can have a significant impact.

The New York Times

A particularly poignant example of an ineffective and irresponsible PSA is the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section's cyberbulling video.

HuffPost

It is a very poignant example of how a legal system – the EU in this case, both in its economic and political manifestations – can be subversive of the very things it sets out to protect.

The Guardian

But it is a particularly poignant example of what happens when that reaches a crisis point, and a good sample case to look to to see why there's such a focus on mobility services and alternative transportation services particularly for dense urban environments.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a poignant example of" when you want to highlight a specific instance that evokes strong emotions or empathy, making your argument more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a poignant example of" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem overly sentimental. Vary your language with synonyms like "a striking illustration of" or "a telling instance of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poignant example of" serves as an introducer to a specific instance or case that is particularly touching or impactful emotionally. It sets the stage for presenting evidence that will likely evoke a strong emotional response in the audience. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate grammatical structure and usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

6.25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a poignant example of" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the emotional significance of a specific instance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Consider using synonyms like "a striking illustration of" or "a telling instance of" to vary your language and keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a striking illustration of

Emphasizes visual impact and clarity of the instance.

a telling instance of

Highlights the revealing nature of the instance.

an illustrative case of

Focuses on the instance as a typical or representative example.

a remarkable demonstration of

Stresses the exceptional or noteworthy aspect of the instance.

a significant manifestation of

Indicates that the instance is a clear sign or symptom of something larger.

a powerful reminder of

Highlights the emotional impact of the instance as a way to recall something important.

a classic representation of

Positions the instance as a standard or well-known example.

a compelling depiction of

Focuses on the instance as a convincing or persuasive portrayal.

a moving portrayal of

Highlights the emotional impact of the instance.

an affecting display of

Focuses on the instance as something that evokes emotions.

FAQs

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

Use "a poignant example of" to introduce a specific instance that evokes strong emotions or empathy. For example, "The story of the refugee family is "a poignant example of" the human cost of war".

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

You can use alternatives like "a striking illustration of", "a telling instance of", or "a powerful reminder of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a poignant example of" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the emotional impact of a specific event or situation, especially when discussing social issues, personal stories, or historical events.

What makes "a poignant example of" different from a simple example?

While a simple example serves to illustrate a point, ""a poignant example of"" specifically highlights an instance that evokes strong emotions, empathy, or sadness, making it more impactful.