a tiny example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a small or simple illustration of a concept or idea. Example: "To clarify my point, let me give you a tiny example of how this works in practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A tiny example.

The New York Times - Books

Here's a tiny example.

The Guardian

This is a tiny example.

Yale University

It's a tiny example, of course, but in the aggregate it's the kind of thing the readers I've quoted here are frustrated about.

The New York Times

A tiny example: each of the tires on the cartoonishly oversize dump trucks used in oil sands mining costs about $60,000.

The New York Times

As a tiny example, a speech by one of the tribunes describing the people initially turning out to cheer the conquering hero is reduced to a soundbite.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Pennsylvania's 1,000-pound 1,000-poundpture is just "a very tiny example" of the abutter5 million tonsculpture and yard waste that Amerisans dispose of each year, Mr. Sellew said.

The New York Times

The impromptu concert at Tate Modern – a short recital in an unfamiliar venue – is one tiny example.

The Guardian - Music

"That's just one tiny example that a catcher might be undervalued," Mr. Adams said.

The New York Times

To conclude, let me mention one tiny example of a general-user approach that collides with convention.

The Guardian - Tech

The Huffington Post, as just one tiny example, publishes a new article every 58 seconds.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tiny example" to introduce a specific instance that succinctly illustrates a broader concept or principle. It's particularly effective when you want to avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive detail, focusing on a single, clear point.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "a tiny example". This can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "for instance", "to illustrate", or providing the example directly without a lead-in phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny example" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "example". It serves to introduce a specific, often simplified, instance to illustrate a more general point or concept. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny example" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to introduce a concise illustration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various writing contexts. While primarily found in News & Media and Academia, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. For alternative expressions, consider options like "a small instance" or "a minor illustration" to provide nuanced variations. By following best practices and being mindful of potential overuse, you can effectively incorporate "a tiny example" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small instance

Emphasizes the limited scope of the occurrence being presented.

a minor illustration

Highlights the less significant aspect of the example.

a brief case

Focuses on the succinctness and relevance of the example.

a limited demonstration

Implies the example is not comprehensive or exhaustive.

a simple depiction

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the example.

a singular case

Emphasizes the individual and unique nature of the illustration.

a concise illustration

Highlights how the example is expressed briefly and clearly.

a microcosm of

Presents the example as a smaller representation of a larger phenomenon.

a representative instance

Suggests that the example is typical and demonstrates common traits.

a token example

Highlights the symbolic and representative role of a minor aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny example" to introduce a specific instance that supports a broader point. For instance, "To understand the impact of microplastics, consider "a tiny example": plastic microbeads in cosmetics accumulating in our oceans".

What are some alternatives to "a tiny example"?

Alternatives to "a tiny example" include "a small instance", "a minor illustration", or "a brief case". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a tiny example" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a tiny example" when you want to provide a concise and easily understandable illustration to support your argument or explanation. It's effective for simplifying complex topics or highlighting specific details.

Is "a tiny example" too informal for academic writing?

While "a tiny example" isn't overly informal, it's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your academic writing. In some cases, a more formal alternative such as "a limited demonstration" or "a singular case" might be more suitable.