an example of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an example of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to give a specific illustration of something you are discussing. Example Sentence: The historic Great Wall of China is an example of a large-scale defensive structure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(a) An example of graph.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It was an example of silent luxury.

The New York Times

Give me an example of a prayer.

The Economist

Shawn Daivari is an example of this.

The New York Times

He gave me an example of one.

The New Yorker

Today was an example of that.

The New York Times - Food

Iraq is an example of this tactic.

The New York Times

California is an example of that".

The New York Times

Singapore offers an example of another sort.

The Economist

This is an example of a reduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is an example of destructive interference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "an example of" with a concrete, specific instance rather than an abstract concept to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an example of" without providing enough context. Ensure that the reader understands what the example is meant to illustrate. For example, instead of saying, "This is an example of bad behavior", specify what behavior you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an example of" functions as an appositive phrase, specifically used to introduce a particular instance that illustrates or clarifies a broader concept or statement. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across diverse sources, confirming its role in providing concrete illustrations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an example of" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is very common across various registers, including news, science, and wiki sources. To enhance clarity, follow "an example of" with a concrete, specific instance. Alternatives such as "for instance" or "such as" can provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take for example

Replaces "an example of" by explicitly directing attention to the forthcoming example.

as an illustration

Substitutes "an example of" with a phrase emphasizing the illustrative nature of the instance.

a case in point

Replaces "an example of" with a more concise phrase that directly introduces a relevant instance.

to illustrate

Provides a more concise way to introduce an example, often used to clarify a point.

for instance

Offers a shorter, more direct way to introduce an example, suitable for less formal contexts.

a typical instance is

Offers a slightly more formal alternative that highlights the representativeness of the example.

such as

Replaces "an example of" with a simpler construction to list specific instances.

consider

Introduces a specific item or situation to support a point, acting as "an example of" something broader.

this demonstrates

Shifts the focus slightly from the example itself to its illustrative power, acting as "an example of" something.

in this case

Introduces a specific situation that serves "an example of" a general principle or pattern.

FAQs

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

"An example of" introduces a specific instance that illustrates a broader concept or statement. For instance, you could say, "The Great Wall of China is "an example of" massive engineering projects." The phrase helps clarify a point by providing a concrete illustration.

What can I say instead of "an example of"?

You can use alternatives like "for instance", "such as", or "a case in point" depending on the context. These options provide different nuances but serve the same basic function of introducing an illustrative instance.

Is it better to use "an example of" or "for example"?

Both ""an example of"" and "for example" are correct and often interchangeable. "For example" is generally more concise, while "an example of" can add a bit more emphasis. The choice often depends on the desired tone and flow of your writing.

Can "an example of" be used to introduce multiple examples?

While ""an example of"" typically introduces a single instance, you can use it in conjunction with other phrases like "such as" to introduce multiple examples within the same sentence. For instance, "Poor time management, "an example of" which is procrastination, can lead to missed deadlines".