an example of why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an example of why" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to illustrate a reason or justification for something. Example: "This situation serves as an example of why we need to implement stricter safety measures in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's an example of why I ask these questions.

The New York Times

My own family's history provides an example of why.

The Washington Post

But Carmichael's friend is an example of why physician-assisted dying is needed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Online commentators cited my mother as an example of why no parent should hire a nanny.

The New Yorker

7. Write a short story that explains an example of why standardization is necessary.

The New York Times

And it is absolutely not an example of why we don't.

The New York Times

And this week we've seen an example of why they are probably right.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Tisch provides an example of why most organizations are staying silent.

The New York Times

The school, he said, was "an example of why we need big money for development".

The New Yorker

Here is an example of why expanding the rosters would help.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our situation is an example of why we're not getting jobs out of innovation," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an example of why" to introduce specific instances that support a broader argument or claim, making your reasoning more persuasive and relatable.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "an example of why". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "this demonstrates why" or "a case in point" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an example of why" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to signal that a specific instance will be provided to illustrate or support a particular reason or argument. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an example of why" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase that introduces a specific instance to illustrate a reason or justification. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently found in various contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and vary your language with synonyms like "a case in point" or "this demonstrates why". By using "an example of why" effectively, you can strengthen your arguments and make your reasoning more persuasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an illustration of why

Emphasizes the visual or descriptive nature of the supporting evidence.

to illustrate the reason

Explicitly states the intention to clarify the cause.

a demonstration of why

Suggests a clear and convincing presentation of a reason through evidence.

this demonstrates why

Directly asserts that something proves or clarifies a particular reason.

this highlights why

Focuses on bringing attention to the key reasons behind a situation.

a case in point

Highlights a specific instance that supports a broader argument or claim.

this indicates why

Suggests that something serves as a sign or signal of an underlying cause.

a reason being

Focuses more directly on the reason itself, rather than framing it as an example.

as proof of why

Positions the subsequent information as evidence supporting a specific reason.

consider this instance

Invites the audience to reflect on a specific situation to understand a reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "an example of why" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a reason or justification for something. For instance, "The company's declining sales are "an example of why" we need to implement new marketing strategies".

What are some alternatives to "an example of why"?

You can use alternatives such as "a case in point", "an illustration of why", or "this demonstrates why" to vary your language while maintaining the same meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "an example of why"?

Yes, the phrase ""an example of why"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing to introduce a specific instance that supports a reason.

What is the difference between "an example of why" and "a reason why"?

"An example of why" introduces a specific instance to illustrate a reason, whereas "a reason why" simply states a cause or justification without necessarily providing a concrete illustration.