a quintessential example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quintessential example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is a perfect or typical representation of a particular quality or type. Example: "The Mona Lisa is often considered a quintessential example of Renaissance art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harley-Davidson provides a quintessential example.

Harvard Business Review

MW: That's a quintessential example of accountability without real compassion.

University of California, Berkeley

The sound company Dolby provides a quintessential example.

Harvard Business Review

A quintessential example is the 2010 semidry riesling from Paumanok Vineyards, in Aquebogue ($22).

The New York Times

The hit HBO show "Game of Thrones" is a quintessential example of this.

The New York Times

A quintessential example was his speech to a predominantly black crowd in South Carolina in 2008.

The New York Times

While the works that drew big numbers were disparate, each one was a quintessential example of its author's work.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a quintessential example of acrobatics rendered as self-transforming Pilobolan poetry, and a superb ending to the program.

The New York Times - Arts

The six-foot-tall sculpture, made in 1960 and cast a year later, is a quintessential example of trophy art.

The New York Times - Arts

Buttermilk Channel, which opened about a year and a half ago in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, is a quintessential example.

The New York Times

Babajob is a quintessential example of how the back-office operations in India have spawned poverty-inspired innovation.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quintessential example" when you want to highlight the most representative or perfect instance of something, ensuring it clearly embodies the core qualities or characteristics of what you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a quintessential example" in overly casual or informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a typical example" or "a good example" to maintain a natural tone and avoid sounding pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quintessential example" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce a particularly representative or perfect instance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in illustrating a concept with an ideal example.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quintessential example" serves as a powerful tool for highlighting the most representative instance of a concept or category. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently employed in news, academic, and scientific contexts, reflecting its versatility and acceptance across various registers. When using the phrase, consider its slightly formal tone and reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize the exemplary nature of your chosen example. Alternatives such as "a classic case" or "a prime illustration" can be used to adjust the emphasis or formality, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a classic case

Emphasizes the established and well-known nature of the example.

a prime illustration

Highlights the clarity and effectiveness of the example in demonstrating a concept.

a typical instance

Focuses on the example's commonness and representativeness of a broader category.

a model example

Suggests the example serves as a standard for imitation or emulation.

a perfect embodiment

Implies the example is a flawless representation of a particular quality or idea.

a textbook example

Indicates the example is commonly used in educational contexts to explain a concept.

an archetypal instance

Emphasizes the example's status as a fundamental and recurring pattern.

a defining example

Highlights the example's role in shaping or clarifying the understanding of a concept.

a representative sample

Focuses on the example's ability to accurately reflect the characteristics of a larger group.

a standard bearer

Suggests the example is a leading or exemplary case within its category.

FAQs

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

Use "a quintessential example" to introduce something that perfectly represents a concept or category. For instance, "The Mona Lisa is a quintessential example of Renaissance portraiture".

What are some alternatives to "a quintessential example"?

Alternatives include "a classic example", "a prime illustration", or "a typical instance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "a quintessential example" or "a good example"?

"A quintessential example" emphasizes that something is the most perfect or representative of its kind, while "a good example" simply indicates that something is a suitable illustration. Choose based on the degree of representativeness you want to highlight.

What distinguishes "a quintessential example" from "a typical example"?

"A quintessential example" implies that the instance is not only representative but also embodies the most essential or defining characteristics. A "typical example", on the other hand, simply means that the instance is common or average within its category.