a textbook example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a textbook example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that perfectly illustrates a particular concept or principle, often in an educational or illustrative context. Example: "Her performance in the competition was a textbook example of dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is this a textbook example of coercion?

The New York Times - Magazine

Is this a textbook example of the fickleness of fashion?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The case became a textbook example of civil rights justice.

The Guardian

What followed was a textbook example of "mission creep".

The New Yorker

Carolyn Weisz is a textbook example of a high delayer.

The New Yorker

It was called a "textbook example" of "insensitive development".

Independent

That's a textbook example of righteous anonymous sourcing.

The Washington Post

This is a textbook example of sweetbread cooking.

The New York Times - Food

Toray is a textbook example of technology fusion.

Harvard Business Review

"Tysons Corner can become a textbook example of how to turn an absolute planning catastrophe into a textbook example of ecologically sensible, sustainable architecture," Mr. Carter said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Human Rights Watch recently described Singapore as 'a textbook example of a repressive state.'.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a textbook example of" when you want to highlight something as a particularly clear and illustrative instance of a broader concept or principle. It adds a sense of authority and clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "a textbook example of" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in very informal or casual writing. In those contexts, simpler phrases like "a good example of" or "a clear case of" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a textbook example of" functions as an evaluative descriptor, highlighting something as being a particularly clear, representative, and instructive instance of a broader concept or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a textbook example of" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to denote something that perfectly illustrates a concept or principle. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, making it suitable for neutral to formal writing. When using this phrase, consider its authoritative tone and ensure it fits the overall formality of your writing. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where you want to highlight something as a particularly clear and illustrative instance. Alternatives like "a classic example of" or "a prime illustration of" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A classic instance of

Replaces "textbook" with "classic", emphasizing the conventional or well-known nature of the example.

A prime illustration of

Substitutes "textbook" with "prime" and "example" with "illustration", indicating a top-tier demonstration.

An ideal demonstration of

Emphasizes the perfection or suitability of the example, using "ideal" instead of "textbook" and "demonstration" instead of "example".

A perfect case of

Uses "perfect case" to highlight the flawless or exemplary nature of the instance.

A clear demonstration of

Focuses on the clarity and explicitness of the example.

A typical illustration of

Indicates that the example is representative or common, rather than exceptional.

A telling example of

Suggests that the example reveals something important or insightful.

A revealing illustration of

Indicates that the example uncovers or makes something evident.

A noteworthy instance of

Highlights the significance or importance of the example.

A standard bearer for

Implies that the example sets the standard or represents the best of its kind.

FAQs

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

You can use "a textbook example of" to describe something that clearly illustrates a concept or principle. For instance, "The experiment was "a textbook example of" the scientific method in action."

What phrases are similar to "a textbook example of"?

Alternatives include "a classic example of", "a prime example of", or "an ideal illustration of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a textbook example of" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a textbook example of" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts to emphasize the clarity and representativeness of an example.

What's the difference between "a textbook example of" and "a good example of"?

"A textbook example of" implies that the example is not only good but also perfectly illustrative and perhaps even definitive. "A good example of" is more general and doesn't necessarily suggest the same level of perfection or clarity.