an early example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an early example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific instance or case that occurred at an earlier time in a particular context or field. Example: "The invention of the telephone is often cited as an early example of communication technology that changed the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Supermarket trading stamps were an early example.

The Guardian - Books

"200 One Dollar Bills" is an early example.

The New York Times - Arts

or Theatre?" is an early example of the graphic novel.

The New Yorker

The Napoleonic wars are an early example, Iraq a contemporary.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Open Yale Courses initiative was an early example.

Yale University

Varèse's Déserts is an early example of this.

Britannica

It was an early example of an unsaleable literary hybrid.

Independent

Plein Soleil is an early example of what was called noir en couleur.

The Guardian - Film

On one level "Miss Mend" is an early example of a movie about movies.

The New York Times

It was an early example of how unfair life can be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This track is an early example, and remains one of the best.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an early example", provide sufficient context to highlight its significance and impact within the relevant field or domain.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the influence of "an early example" if its long-term effects are limited or unclear. Clearly differentiate between its initial promise and subsequent outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early example" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific instance that occurred at an earlier point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an early example" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a specific instance that occurred at an earlier time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across diverse fields, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. When using "an early example", ensure you provide sufficient context to illustrate its significance and relevance. While there are several alternatives, like "a preceding instance" or "a prior case", the key is to maintain clarity and avoid overstating the example's long-term impact. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase to enhance your writing and provide valuable context to your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preceding instance

Replaces 'early' with 'preceding', focusing on the temporal order of the example.

a prior case

Substitutes 'early' with 'prior', emphasizing the example's occurrence before others.

an initial illustration

Replaces 'example' with 'illustration', highlighting the role of the example as a clarifying instance.

a preliminary instance

Uses 'preliminary' instead of 'early', suggesting that it is a first or initial occurrence.

a nascent instance

Replaces "early" with "nascent," emphasizing the beginning or early development stage of the instance.

a pioneering case

Replaces "early" with "pioneering," highlighting the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the case.

a formative example

Replaces "early" with "formative," suggesting that the example played a significant role in shaping subsequent events.

a prototype

Replaces "early example" with "prototype", implying that is an original model on which later versions are patterned.

a flagship instance

Replaces "early example" with "flagship instance", meaning something that serves as the best or most important of its kind.

an inaugural case

Replaces "early" with "inaugural", suggesting it's the very first case of its kind.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an early example" in a sentence?

To effectively use "an early example", provide context to demonstrate the significance and relevance of the example within its specific field. For instance, "The Model T is "an early example" of mass production's impact on consumer goods".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an early example"?

Alternatives to "an early example" include phrases like "a preceding instance", "a prior case", or "an initial illustration", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide extensive details when citing "an early example"?

While extensive details aren't always necessary, providing enough context to establish the example's relevance and impact is crucial. The level of detail should align with the complexity of the topic and the audience's familiarity with the subject.

How does "an early example" differ from a 'typical example'?

"An early example" emphasizes the temporal aspect, highlighting that the instance occurred at an earlier stage, while a 'typical example' focuses on representativeness, indicating that the instance is characteristic or common within a particular category.