act as an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as an example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that serves as a model or standard for others to follow. Example: "The teacher asked the students to act as an example of good behavior for the younger children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He is cited by name in the Patriot Act as an example of Muslim-American valor.

The New York Times

Straw says David Cameron cited the Irish Defamation Act as an example of how press legislation can get very complicated.

The Guardian

The German, who became IOC president in 2013, claimed that by allowing Russian athletes to compete at the Games they would act as an example to others.

The Guardian - Sport

Both the galleries and d'Offay hope it will set a precedent and act as an example for others with the wherewithal to follow.

The Guardian - Arts

When we spoke, Robinson cited the 1862 Homestead Act as an example as an example of how important institutions are to economic growth.

Harvard Business Review

As a proud male feminist, I believe it's important for men to rally around the feminist movement to provide support and to act as an example for other men to follow.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

We explore the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act) as a case example of how the integration of these data can be practically achieved within an existing legal process.

Land Use Policy

The German food blogging community acts as an example to observe how bloggers represent themselves and interact amongst each other in this relatively new medium.

University of California, Berkeley

For anybody who has suffered at the hands of the police, I hope my legal challenge acts as an example that you too can fight for vindication and accountability and win.

The Guardian - Opinion

Phlogiston, a postulated constituent of combustible objects believed to exist in the 17th and 18th centuries, acts as an example of an error in a model (Jones, 2005: 186).

Functional Linguistics

Tesla is clearly hoping this acts as an example to other potential customers, and it also shows at commercial scale why Musk believes the solar battery portion of the business will one day exceed the market for Teslas – there are plenty of spots where reliable, independent power holds more appeal than an electric vehicle.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as an example", ensure the subject truly embodies the qualities you wish to highlight. Avoid using it ironically or when the subject's suitability is questionable.

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply "acting as an example" guarantees others will follow suit. Highlight the specific actions or qualities that make the subject worth emulating, rather than relying on the phrase alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as an example" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a role or purpose. It specifies that someone or something serves as a model or a pattern for others to follow, influencing behavior or setting standards. As Ludwig confirms, this is a standard grammatical construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act as an example" is a versatile expression, commonly used across various domains to denote something or someone serving as a model or standard. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "serve as a model" or "set a precedent" exist, understanding the subtle differences in connotation is crucial. Remember that simply "acting as an example" doesn't guarantee success, and it's essential to highlight the specific qualities worth emulating. The phrase's frequent appearance in news, scientific, and academic sources underscores its widespread applicability and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a model

Replaces "act" with "serve", focusing on the function of providing a pattern for others.

function as a prototype

Emphasizes the role of being an initial version or model.

set a precedent

Highlights the aspect of establishing a standard for future actions.

provide a benchmark

Focuses on offering a standard against which others can be measured.

be an inspiration

Stresses the aspect of motivating or encouraging others.

offer a template

Suggests providing a reusable pattern or structure.

work as a guide

Highlights the role of providing direction or instruction.

show the way

A more concise and informal way of saying 'lead by example'.

embody best practices

Focuses on incorporating the most effective and ethical techniques, methodologies or activities.

demonstrate ideal behavior

Highlights the demonstration of an action considered as best and worthy of imitation.

FAQs

How can I use "act as an example" in a sentence?

You can use "act as an example" to indicate that someone or something is serving as a model or standard for others to follow. For instance, "The athlete aimed to "act as an example" of dedication and perseverance for young athletes."

What are some alternatives to "act as an example"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "serve as a model", "set a precedent", or "provide a benchmark" instead of "act as an example".

Is it better to say "act as an example" or "serve as an example"?

Both "act as an example" and "serve as an example" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Serve as an example" might emphasize a more formal or intentional role.

Can "act as an example" have negative connotations?

While "act as an example" typically has positive connotations, it can be used sarcastically or critically. For example, one might say, "That company's environmental practices "act as an example" of what not to do," implying poor or unethical behavior.