a prime example is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prime example is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific instance or case that illustrates a point or concept effectively. Example: "When discussing the impact of climate change, a prime example is the melting of polar ice caps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A prime example is technology.

The New York Times

A prime example is Yahoo Answers.

The New York Times - Tech

A prime example is occupational licensing.

The Economist

A prime example is agricultural subsidies.

The Economist

"A prime example is Traoré," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

A prime example is coconut oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A prime example is running back.

The Washington Post

A prime example is the IOI Group.

The Guardian

A prime example is the recent war in Iraq.

Harvard University

A prime example is Nokia, the struggling Finnish cellphone maker.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A prime example is Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prime example is" to clearly introduce a specific case that supports a broader argument or statement. This phrase helps readers quickly understand the relevance of the example.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "a prime example is", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms such as "a key example is" or "a notable example is" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prime example is" serves as an appositive phrase, functioning to introduce and highlight a specific instance that vividly illustrates a preceding general statement or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to provide concrete support for abstract ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a prime example is" functions as a powerful tool for illustrating and substantiating claims. As verified by Ludwig, its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing, underscores its effectiveness in providing clear and impactful examples. While grammatically sound and frequently used, varying sentence structure and opting for synonyms can prevent overuse and enhance writing style. Understanding the contexts in which this phrase appears most often enables more targeted and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key example is

Substitutes "prime" with "key", indicating a particularly important example.

a notable example is

Replaces "prime" with "notable", emphasizing the significance or worthiness of attention of the example.

a telling example is

Uses "telling" instead of "prime", suggesting the example is revealing or insightful.

a classic example is

Emphasizes that the example is well-known and representative of a category.

a striking example is

Highlights that the example is particularly noticeable or remarkable.

a significant instance is

Replaces "example" with "instance", offering a slightly more formal tone.

a good illustration is

Uses "illustration" instead of "example", suggesting the case visually clarifies a point.

consider for instance

Offers a more concise way to introduce an example, shifting the focus slightly.

take for example

Similar to "consider for instance" but with a slightly different emphasis.

to illustrate this

Provides a broader connective phrase to introduce an example for clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "a prime example is" in a sentence?

Use "a prime example is" to introduce a specific instance that effectively illustrates a point. For example, "When discussing the impact of technology on education, a prime example is the rise of online learning platforms".

What are some alternatives to "a prime example is"?

You can use alternatives like "a key example is", "a notable example is", or "a telling example is" to introduce your example with slightly different emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "a prime example is" in formal writing?

Yes, "a prime example is" is suitable for formal writing. However, for academic or professional contexts, consider alternatives such as "a significant instance is" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "a prime example is" and "for example"?

"A prime example is" emphasizes that the example is particularly representative or important, while "for example" is a more general way to introduce an instance. Using "a prime example is" can add more weight to your argument.