are an example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are an example of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something serves as a representative instance or illustration of a particular category or concept. Example: "These paintings are an example of the artist's unique style and technique."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Patents are an example of intangibles).

Encyclopedia Britannica

To others they are an example of misogynistic male fantasy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Acrylic fibres are an example of this trend.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are an example of the larger issues".

The New York Times

"We are an example of what can be done".

The New York Times

Clinton said that Wells Fargo's actions are an example of "egregious corporate behavior".

The Guardian - Business

The two are an example of football symbiosis at its best.

The New York Times - Sports

And robots that can repair themselves are an example of this?

The Guardian - Tech

Teeth are an example of a very yin part of the body.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Video games are an example of collateral learning, which is no less important.

The New Yorker

The villagers of Swarathok are an example of how unfair this is.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are an example of" to clearly illustrate a concept with a specific instance, ensuring the example directly relates to the idea you're explaining.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad or generic examples. Instead, choose specific and relevant instances that provide clear and meaningful illustrations of the concept you are explaining. For example, instead of saying "Technology companies are an example of innovative businesses", specify "Tesla is an example of an innovative business disrupting the automotive industry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are an example of" functions as a connector and introducer, linking a general category or concept to a specific instance that illustrates it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used to provide clarification and support for a broader statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are an example of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for providing illustrative instances, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to clarify concepts by linking them to concrete examples. Predominantly found in news, science, and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral tone appropriate for diverse communication scenarios. To enhance writing precision, remember to choose specific examples and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are representative of

This phrase suggests that something is typical and demonstrates the characteristics of a larger group.

serve as an illustration of

This is a more formal and explicit version of illustrating something.

represent a case of

This alternative highlights that something is a specific occurrence of a general situation.

are a demonstration of

This alternative indicates that something shows or proves a particular quality or fact.

exemplify

This is a single-word verb that conveys the idea of being a typical example.

illustrate

Similar to 'exemplify', this verb shows how something is representative of a larger concept.

provide an instance of

This expresses the provision of a specific example for a general concept.

constitute an instance of

This phrase emphasizes that something forms a particular case of a broader category.

typify

This verb indicates that something is characteristic of a particular class or group.

embody

This verb means to give a concrete form to an abstract concept, acting as an example.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are an example of" is used to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a general concept. For example, "Smartphones are an example of technological innovation that has transformed communication".

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

You can use alternatives such as "serve as an illustration of", "represent a case of", or "exemplify" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are an example of" in formal writing?

The phrase "are an example of" is suitable for formal writing when you need to provide clear and concise examples to support your arguments or explanations. It helps to make abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.

What's the difference between "are an example of" and "are examples of"?

"Are an example of" is used when referring to a single instance, while "are examples of" is used when referring to multiple instances. For example, "The iPhone is an example of a successful smartphone", but "iPhones and Android phones are examples of successful smartphones".