a shining example

USAGE SUMMARY

"a shining example" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is an especially worthy or commendable example of its type. For example, "She was a shining example of the positive effects of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chile is a shining example.

The Economist

Isn't Sondheim a shining example?

The New York Times

It's a shining example of character development.

The New York Times

A shining example to family, friends, colleagues.

The New York Times

General Electric is a shining example.

The Washington Post

This is a shining example of full-modular design.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

This book is a shining example of engaged scholarship.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Leonard Clarke was a shining example of these characteristics.

Cornell University

It was not a shining example of democracy in action.

The New York Times

Zipcar was a shining example of that as a possibility.

The Guardian - Business

And so the verdict was "a shining example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a shining example", ensure the context clearly defines what qualities make the subject exemplary. Specificity strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a shining example" in predictable or overused situations. Opt for more descriptive language that reflects the specific merits of the subject, rather than relying on a generic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shining example" functions as a noun phrase used to characterize something as outstanding and worthy of emulation. It serves to highlight the positive qualities of a subject, indicating that it excels in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shining example" is a commonly used phrase that serves to highlight something exceptional and worthy of emulation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. To maximize its impact, ensure the context clearly defines the exemplary qualities. While versatile, avoiding overuse in clichéd situations is crucial. Consider alternative phrases like "a prime example" or "an excellent illustration" to maintain originality. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, commending and inspiring others to replicate positive behaviors. Its neutral register allows for broad applicability, though awareness of audience and context is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prime example

Focuses on the idea of being a leading or typical instance.

an excellent illustration

Highlights the quality of clearly demonstrating or clarifying something.

a perfect model

Emphasizes flawlessness and suitability for emulation.

a textbook case

Implies that something is so typical or illustrative that it could be used as an example in a textbook.

a stellar instance

Uses "stellar" to suggest exceptional quality, similar to "shining".

a noteworthy exemplar

Highlights that the example is worthy of attention and represents something well.

a remarkable demonstration

Focuses on the act of showing or proving something in an impressive way.

a glittering paradigm

Uses "glittering" as a synonym for "shining" and "paradigm" to mean a model or pattern.

a gold standard

Implies a very high quality and that serves as a benchmark.

an ideal embodiment

Stresses the quality of perfectly representing an abstract concept or idea.

FAQs

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

Use "a shining example" to highlight a person, thing, or concept that excels in a particular quality or achievement. For instance, "Her dedication to community service is "a shining example" of selflessness".

What are some alternatives to using "a shining example"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a prime example", "an excellent illustration", or "a perfect model" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly different emphasis.

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

Yes, "a shining example" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone and that the example's merits are clearly articulated. Consider alternatives if the phrase feels too informal or clichéd for the context.

What makes "a shining example" different from "a good example"?

"A shining example" implies that the subject is not only good but also exceptional, outstanding, and worthy of particular admiration or emulation, while "a good example" simply indicates adequacy or suitability.