anecdotal example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anecdotal example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific instance or story that illustrates a point or concept, often based on personal experience rather than scientific evidence. Example: "To support my argument about the importance of community service, I shared an anecdotal example of how volunteering changed my perspective on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

An anecdotal example drives home the point.

The New York Times - Arts

One anecdotal example of how the S-curve model can help us better predict the future is the experience of golfer Dan McLaughlin.

Harvard Business Review

A Ukip spokesman said: "Mr Wheeler's comments were an anecdotal example to underline the point that quotas are not the way to appoint company boards.

Independent

(An anecdotal example Berger and his co-authors cite: a spike in people seeking information about Kazakhstan from Hotels.com after the release of "Borat," a movie that mocked the place as backward and squalid).

The New York Times - Magazine

To take just one anecdotal example, when Anderlecht's Serbian striker Nenad Jestrovic was sent off following an altercation with Liverpool's Momo Sissoko in a Champions League match at Anfield in 2005, I remember a voice behind me in the press box saying, without any self-awareness or irony, "It's racial abuse.

Independent

As an anecdotal example, I own about 150 games through my Steam account.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But anecdotal examples of those who have stayed away abound.

The Guardian - Tech

"I can only give anecdotal examples," came the answer.

The New Yorker

But these anecdotal examples don't prove the rule.

The Washington Post

But, he added, anecdotal examples and wishful thinking are not science.

The New York Times - Health

Anecdotal examples of this sort are a necessary and valuable part of everyday, public and political argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using an "anecdotal example", ensure it directly supports the point you are making. If the connection is not immediately clear, explicitly state how the example relates to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "anecdotal examples" as the sole basis for your argument. While they can be illustrative, they are not a substitute for statistical data, research findings, or expert opinions. Always supplement anecdotal evidence with more robust forms of support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anecdotal example" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a specific instance or story based on personal experience rather than rigorous evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anecdotal example" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to illustrate a point through a personal story or isolated instance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it's crucial to remember that such examples should be used to illustrate, not to serve as definitive proof. They are frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and academic writing. While reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use this phrase, it's always important to supplement "anecdotal examples" with more robust evidence for a well-supported argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illustrative anecdote

Focuses on the illustrative nature of the anecdote, emphasizing its purpose in clarifying a concept.

personal illustration

Highlights the personal aspect of the example, suggesting it comes from direct experience.

case in point

A more direct way of introducing an example that supports a statement.

isolated instance

Emphasizes the singularity of the example, suggesting it might not be representative.

representative story

Suggests the anecdote is typical and indicative of a broader trend.

typical illustration

Emphasizes the common nature of the example, implying it's a frequent occurrence.

specific instance

Highlights the particularity of the example, focusing on its concrete details.

concrete example

Stresses the tangibility and real-world relevance of the example.

real-life story

Underscores the authenticity and lived experience behind the example.

narrative illustration

Focuses on the storytelling aspect of the example, emphasizing its narrative structure.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce an "anecdotal example" in my writing?

You can introduce an "anecdotal example" by using phrases such as "For instance", "To illustrate this point", or "Consider the "following example".

When is it appropriate to use an "anecdotal example"?

An "anecdotal example" is appropriate when you want to provide a relatable or memorable illustration of a concept or argument. However, it should not be used as the only form of evidence.

What are the limitations of using "anecdotal examples"?

The main limitation of using "anecdotal examples" is that they are not necessarily representative of a larger trend or phenomenon. They can be subject to bias and may not be statistically significant.

Are there stronger alternatives to using an "anecdotal example"?

While "anecdotal examples" serve a purpose, you could strengthen your arguments by using data-driven illustrations, "case studies", or expert opinions.