a primary example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary example of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to highlight a specific instance that serves as a significant or typical representation of a broader category or concept. Example: "The theory of evolution is a primary example of how species adapt to their environments over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The organisation highlights social care as a primary example of misguided thinking on the part of central government by not allocating extra digital funds.

The Guardian

But, according to insiders and analysts, WorldCom stands out as a primary example of how badly run companies can appear invulnerable, as long as the value of their stocks stay lofty.

The New York Times

Because of his unorthodox methods — he did not get his subjects' consent, he tracked down names and addresses through license plate numbers, he interviewed the men in their homes in disguise and under false pretenses — "Tearoom Trade" is now taught as a primary example of unethical social research.

The New York Times

A long clash between Klubradio, a radio station that is often critical of Mr. Orban's government, and Hungary's news media council, which hands out frequencies to radio stations and is stocked with Orban supporters, is a primary example of the conflict; the station's license was renewed last week after years of contention.

The New York Times

The recently released Alias2 is a primary example of Big Sam's innovation-meets-pedestrian-handset tactics.

TechCrunch

A primary example of this was the mid-19th-century reaction to the capitalist Industrial Revolution.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Using secondary sexual traits as a primary example, Darwin compiled a large number of observations indicating that male-specific structures known to be highly divergent even among closely related species rarely developed until reproductive maturity was reached [ 10, 12].

BMC Biology

As an primary example, this approach revealed the loss of platelet-related microRNAs in type 2 diabetes and could link a subset of platelet microRNAs (miR-126, miR-223, and miR-197) to cardiovascular risk in the prospective Bruneck study [ 108– 108].

Basic Research in Cardiology

Tharp's primary example of a successful creative life is her own, and the book provides a window into the mind of this talented dancer and choreographer.

The New York Times

Though she draws on a wealth of effective idiosyncrasy -- the odd strategies of business executives, composers, painters, novelists and friends like the photographer Richard Avedon and the children's book illustrator Maurice Sendak -- Tharp's primary example of a successful creative life is her own.

The New York Times - Books

The organization, co-founded by Karl Rove after the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling opened the door to new political spending, has been held up by campaign finance watchdogs as the primary example of a political group using the tax code to evade disclosure of its donors.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a primary example of", ensure that the example you provide is indeed a clear and representative illustration of the concept you are discussing. It should be easily understood and directly relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary example of" for minor or less significant instances. Reserve it for examples that truly showcase the main point or are widely recognized as representative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary example of" functions as an appositive phrase or a prepositional phrase, introducing a specific instance that serves to illustrate or exemplify a more general concept or phenomenon. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is considered correct and is used to provide clarity and concrete understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a primary example of" serves to introduce a significant instance that illustrates a broader concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including science and news. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure that the example you select is both representative and easily understandable. Remember, less significant examples might not warrant the emphasis that this phrase implies. Alternatives such as "a key instance of" or "a leading illustration of" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key instance of

Replaces "primary example" with "key instance", highlighting the importance of the example.

a leading illustration of

Substitutes "primary example" with "leading illustration", emphasizing the demonstrative aspect.

a prime demonstration of

Replaces "primary example" with "prime demonstration", stressing the conclusive nature of the example.

a notable case of

Substitutes "primary example" with "notable case", underlining the significance of the example.

a significant instance of

Replaces "primary example" with "significant instance", highlighting the importance of the example.

a textbook illustration of

Replaces "primary example" with "textbook illustration", framing the example as a standard or classic representation.

a classic demonstration of

Replaces "primary example" with "classic demonstration", stressing that the example is time tested.

a telling depiction of

Replaces "primary example" with "telling depiction", adding a layer of expressiveness to the way the example is shown.

a quintessential model of

Replaces "primary example" with "quintessential model", stressing that the example is time tested.

an outstanding exemplar of

Replaces "primary example" with "outstanding exemplar", stressing that the example is of high quality and worthy of imitation.

FAQs

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

Use "a primary example of" to introduce a key instance that clearly illustrates a broader concept. For example, "The theory of evolution is "a primary example of" how species adapt to their environments over time."

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

You can use alternatives like "a key instance of", "a leading illustration of", or "a notable case of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a primary example of" and "a typical example of"?

"A primary example of" suggests that the example is one of the most important or representative instances, while "a typical example of" simply means that the example is representative but may not necessarily be the most significant.

Can "a primary example of" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a primary example of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though its alternatives might offer different registers. Consider using "a leading illustration of" in more formal contexts.