a specific example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or illustrate a point by providing a particular instance or case. Example: "To better understand the concept, let me provide a specific example of how this theory applies in real life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Globopolis is a specific example of a general trend," Ms. James said.

The New York Times

A: I don't have a specific example of where it has before.

The New York Times

And this example here is a specific example of something called the Gibbs phase rule.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A specific example of the procedure is described and results are presented for actual situations.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

A specific example of using a section of the codes for search is included.

World Patent Information

Fables teach a general principle of conduct by presenting a specific example of behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So I just want to quickly talk about a specific example of translational research from my own work.

Cornell University

This question is investigated for a specific example of dry atmospheric convection, namely the simulation of warm air bubbles.

Journal of Computational Physics

A specific example of a [001] orientated film heteroepitaxially grown on a [001] cubic substrate is considered.

Acta Materialia

The floods are a specific example of challenges facing our children, but children in Iowa and across the country face many more challenges on a daily basis.

The New York Times

3. In groups, investigate various aspects of a specific example of a type of sailing vessel; create displays for a museum exhibit about sailing ships.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific example of" to make abstract concepts more understandable for your audience. Always ensure the example is directly relevant to the point you're illustrating.

Common error

Avoid using overly general or hypothetical examples. Ensure your "a specific example of" is detailed and factually accurate to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific example of" serves as an appositive or introductory phrase, signaling the presentation of a concrete instance to clarify or support a more general statement. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to illustrate a point through a particular case.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

27%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific example of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a concrete instance that clarifies or supports a broader point. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and it's very commonly used in varied contexts such as science, news media, academia and encyclopedias. The phrase is most effective when the example is detailed and directly relevant to the point being illustrated. It's important to avoid vagueness and ensure factual accuracy. Using alternatives like "a particular instance of" or "for instance" can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular instance of

Replaces "example" with "instance", emphasizing a specific occurrence.

a concrete illustration of

Substitutes "example" with "illustration", highlighting the clarity and explicitness of the example.

a case in point

Offers a more concise and idiomatic way to introduce an illustrative example.

an illustrative case of

Combines "illustrative" and "case" to underline the representative nature of the example.

for instance

Provides a brief and straightforward way to introduce an example.

as an illustration

Similar to "for instance", but emphasizes the act of illustrating.

a typical demonstration of

Highlights the typical or representative nature of the example.

a prime exemplar of

Uses "exemplar" to signify a model example, implying high quality.

a telling manifestation of

Emphasizes the revealing or significant quality of the example.

by way of example

A slightly more formal way to introduce an example.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific example of" to introduce a concrete illustration that supports a general statement. For example, "High employee turnover can hurt productivity. "A specific example of" this is when a project team loses its senior members, causing delays and knowledge gaps".

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

You can use alternatives like "a particular instance of", "for instance", or "an illustrative case of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a specific example" or "a general example"?

Using "a specific example" is generally more effective because it provides a concrete and detailed illustration that is easier for the audience to understand and relate to, unlike "a general example" which might be too vague.

What makes "a specific example of" more effective than just stating a fact?

"A specific example of" provides context and demonstrates how a fact or concept plays out in reality, making your argument more persuasive and memorable. It adds depth and credibility compared to a simple statement.