a quintessential example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quintessential example of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means the most perfect or representative example of something. Example: The Eiffel Tower is often considered a quintessential example of French architecture, with its graceful iron lattice work and iconic design.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

University of California, Berkeley

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

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

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

The New York Times - Tech

The tree ring-like layers that comprise the skeletal elements of the marine sponge Euplectella aspergillum are a quintessential example of the intricate architectures prevalent in biological structures.

Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials

A quintessential example of such synergy was on display last spring with the production of Sergei Prokofiev's "lost" ballet, Le Pas d'Acier.

Princeton University

Turing's business model is a quintessential example of rent seeking: increasing profits not by adding real value for customers but by exploiting loopholes.

The New Yorker

But trying to save money by cutting back on the subsidies is a quintessential example of being pennywise and pound-foolish.

The New Yorker

That solo piece is a quintessential example of the essence of clowning, when the performer's vulnerability allows the audience to experience schadenfreude.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a quintessential example of" a broader trend or idea, ensure the connection is evident to your audience. This involves providing sufficient context or details that explicitly link the example to the larger subject.

Common error

While "a quintessential example of" is appropriate in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a prime example of" or "a classic case of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quintessential example of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It's used to specify and emphasize that a particular item is the most representative or perfect instance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

HuffPost

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quintessential example of" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that denotes something as the most representative or perfect instance of a concept or category. Ludwig's analysis of numerous real-world examples reveals its common occurrence in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider related phrases for stylistic variation. When writing, remember that while it emphasizes the importance of your example, it might also imply subjectivity. The phrase's consistent usage and clarity make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a classic example of

Replaces "quintessential" with "classic", indicating a well-known and typical instance.

a typical example of

Substitutes "quintessential" with "typical", emphasizing representativeness.

a prime example of

Uses "prime" instead of "quintessential", suggesting a top or best instance.

a model example of

Replaces "quintessential" with "model", implying a standard or ideal instance.

a textbook example of

Substitutes "quintessential" with "textbook", indicating a clear and instructive instance.

a representative example of

Uses "representative" instead of "quintessential", highlighting typicality.

a standard example of

Replaces "quintessential" with "standard", implying conformity to a norm.

an archetypal example of

Substitutes "quintessential" with "archetypal", suggesting a fundamental or original instance.

the epitome of

Uses "the epitome of" to convey the highest or most perfect example.

a perfect illustration of

Replaces "example" with "illustration", changing it to a visual or descriptive instance.

FAQs

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

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

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

You can use alternatives like "a classic example of", "a prime example of", or "a textbook example of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a quintessential example"?

While "quintessential" already implies being a perfect example, the phrase ""a quintessential example of"" is commonly used for emphasis and clarity, and is generally considered acceptable in standard English.

What's the difference between "a quintessential example of" and "a typical example of"?

"A quintessential example of" suggests the most perfect or representative instance, while "a typical example of" simply means a common or representative instance. The former carries a stronger connotation of excellence or perfection.