a straightforward example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a straightforward example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to present a clear and uncomplicated illustration of a concept or idea. Example: "To clarify the theory, let me provide a straightforward example that everyone can understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A straightforward example demonstrates the utility of the approach.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

To see a straightforward example of this in English, take "nationalization," Miyagawa suggests.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Woman in Black was a straightforward example of the former.

The Guardian - Books

Facebook provides a straightforward example, but country clubs and churches reveal similar dynamics.

Harvard Business Review

A straightforward example would be the tolerance of some but not other human societies to the lactose in cow's milk.

The Guardian

That is why many see the RMT's major current dispute, on Southern, as a straightforward example of the union needing at all costs to cling to its negotiating trump hand.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

We present, by means of examples, a straightforward model of objects with embedded type fields in a typed lambda-calculus with subtyping, type operators, fixed points, dependent functions, and dependent records with both bounded and manifest type fields (this combination of features can be viewed as a measure of the inherent complexity of virtual types).

Information and Computation

That was a fairly straightforward example.

Yale University

Let me take a very straightforward example of ternary form.

Yale University

"This is a very straightforward example of finding scapegoats because you don't want to admit that what you're doing is partially responsible".

The Guardian

Although they refer to their first film, Blood Simple (1984), as a relatively straightforward example of detective fiction, the Coens wrote their next script, Raising Arizona (1987), without trying to fit a particular genre.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a straightforward example" to introduce a concept that requires clarification through a simple and easily understandable illustration. This helps your audience grasp the core idea without unnecessary complexity.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex details or jargon when presenting "a straightforward example". The purpose is to simplify understanding, not to introduce new layers of confusion. Keep it simple and focused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a straightforward example" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It introduces a specific instance that is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, making it easier to understand a broader concept. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a straightforward example" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to introduce a clear and uncomplicated illustration of a concept. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in scientific, news media, and academic contexts. To enhance clarity, avoid overcomplicating the example and consider using alternatives like "a simple illustration" or "a clear instance" to provide further nuance. Using "a straightforward example" is a great way to convey information efficiently, making sure the reader understands the concept at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple illustration

Replaces "straightforward" with "simple", emphasizing ease of understanding.

a clear instance

Substitutes "example" with "instance", highlighting a specific occurrence.

an uncomplicated case

Replaces "straightforward" with "uncomplicated" and "example" with "case", focusing on the lack of complexity.

a basic demonstration

Changes "example" to "demonstration", suggesting a practical showing.

a plain illustration

Replaces "straightforward" with "plain", stressing the lack of embellishment.

a direct representation

Substitutes "example" with "representation", implying a clear portrayal.

a self-explanatory model

Replaces "straightforward example" with a descriptive noun phrase about a model that is easy to understand.

an easy-to-understand situation

Uses a descriptive phrase to convey the simplicity of the situation.

a textbook case

Implies that the instance is a classic, well-documented illustration.

a typical scenario

Shifts the focus to the commonality and representativeness of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a straightforward example" to introduce an easily understandable illustration that clarifies a concept. For instance, "To understand the principle of supply and demand, consider "a straightforward example": the price of gasoline increases when demand rises".

What are some alternatives to "a straightforward example"?

Alternatives include "a simple illustration", "a clear instance", or "an uncomplicated case". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to provide a complex example or "a straightforward example" when explaining a new concept?

When introducing a new concept, it's generally better to start with "a straightforward example". This allows the audience to grasp the basic principles before delving into more complex scenarios. Once the core concept is understood, you can then introduce more nuanced or complex examples.

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

"A straightforward example" emphasizes the ease of understanding, while "a typical example" focuses on representativeness. A typical example might be more complex but representative of common situations, while a straightforward example is intentionally simplified for clarity.