an object lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an object lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a practical example that teaches a lesson or illustrates a principle, often through experience or observation. Example: "The company's failure serves as an object lesson for others in the industry about the importance of financial planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(B) an object lesson?

The New Yorker

Tuesday's Republican primaries are an object lesson.

The New York Times

You could call it an object lesson.

The New York Times - Arts

Its cancellation leaves an object lesson.

The New Yorker

The form persists as an object lesson.

The New York Times - Magazine

New Jersey serves as an object lesson.

The New York Times

It's an object lesson in simplicity.

The New York Times

D'Angelo is an object lesson in redemption.

The Guardian - Music

Just an object lesson for life in L.A".

Independent

Mr. Obama's strategists view that victory as an object lesson.

The New York Times

Mitterrand had intended the Paribas trial as an object lesson.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an object lesson" when you want to highlight how a specific event or situation illustrates a broader principle or concept, especially one that carries a moral or practical message. Ensure the context makes the lesson clear to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "an object lesson" when the connection between the example and the broader principle is tenuous or unclear. Ensure that the lesson derived from the example is directly and obviously related to the situation at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an object lesson" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive. As Ludwig highlights, it describes a specific instance serving as an example or warning. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from business failures to artistic expressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an object lesson" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a specific example serving as a moral or practical illustration. Ludwig AI analysis and verified examples suggest the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, business and scientific contexts. The phrase functions to clarify abstract concepts through concrete examples and is suitable for neutral to formal registers. When using "an object lesson", ensure that the connection between the example and the broader principle is clear and that the derived lesson is directly related to the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cautionary tale

Focuses specifically on the warning aspect of a situation, emphasizing the negative consequences that can arise.

a prime example

Highlights the exemplary nature of something, showcasing its positive attributes as a model to follow.

a case in point

Introduces a specific instance to support a broader argument or statement, providing concrete evidence.

a teaching moment

Emphasizes the educational opportunity presented by a particular event or situation, inviting reflection and learning.

an illustrative case

Highlights how the case helps clarify a concept, principle, or problem.

a practical demonstration

Emphasizes the hands-on, real-world application of a concept, highlighting its feasibility and effectiveness.

a concrete illustration

Stresses the tangible and easily understandable nature of the example, making it accessible to a wider audience.

a clear demonstration

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be understood or proven by a specific instance.

a telling example

Suggests that the example reveals significant or insightful information, offering a deeper understanding of the subject.

an instance that proves the rule

Is a use case which is proof for the rule.

FAQs

How can I use "an object lesson" in a sentence?

Use "an object lesson" to illustrate a principle through a specific example. For instance, "The company's failure served as "an object lesson" about the importance of financial planning".

What are some alternatives to "an object lesson"?

Alternatives include "a cautionary tale", "a prime example", or "a teaching moment" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "an object lesson" and "a case study"?

"An object lesson" generally emphasizes a moral or practical principle learned from an event, while "a case study" is a detailed analysis of a specific instance to understand its complexities and broader implications.

Is it appropriate to use "an object lesson" in formal writing?

Yes, "an object lesson" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing consequences or illustrating key concepts. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids being overly didactic.