as a cautionary counterexample

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a cautionary counterexample" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to illustrate a point by providing an example that serves as a warning or lesson against a particular action or belief. Example: "Many people believe that taking shortcuts can lead to success; however, as a cautionary counterexample, consider the case of the company that went bankrupt due to neglecting quality control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a cautionary counterexample, Mr. Immelt cited Japan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm speaking as a cautionary tale".

The New York Times - Books

The story was told as a cautionary.

The New York Times

Some would say as a cautionary tale".

The New York Times

It was a life lived as a cautionary tale.

The New York Times - Magazine

He offers his own "hectic" life as a cautionary tale.

The Economist

His story was recast as a cautionary tale.

The New York Times - Sports

Officials now describe the country as a cautionary tale.

The New York Times

Since then, they have served as a cautionary tale.

The New York Times

Currency warriors regularly invoke the 1930s as a cautionary tale.

The Economist

He points to MySpace as a cautionary tale.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a cautionary counterexample" when you specifically want to highlight the contrasting nature of the example and its role as a warning.

Common error

Avoid using "as a cautionary counterexample" when a simpler phrase like "as a warning example" or "as a cautionary tale" would suffice; clarity often outweighs complexity in persuasive writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a cautionary counterexample" functions as an introductory phrase. It sets the stage for presenting an example that serves as a warning, highlighting a contrasting or negative instance to illustrate a point. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a cautionary counterexample" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an example that serves as a warning by contrasting it with a desired outcome. While Ludwig confirms its usability, it's relatively rare and tends toward the formal end of the register. Effective alternatives include "as a warning example" and "as a cautionary tale", offering simpler ways to convey the same meaning. The key is to ensure the contrasting example clearly illustrates the potential negative consequences, reinforcing the persuasive impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a warning example

Replaces "cautionary counterexample" with "warning example" simplifying the phrase and directly highlighting the negative consequence.

as a negative illustration

Substitutes "cautionary counterexample" with "negative illustration", focusing on the illustrative aspect of the unfavorable instance.

as a contrasting warning

Emphasizes the contrast and the warning aspect, condensing the phrase for brevity.

as an adverse instance

Uses "adverse instance" instead of "cautionary counterexample", highlighting the unfavorable nature of the example.

as a bad precedent

Focuses on the concept of setting a negative precedent, suitable when discussing potential consequences of actions.

as an undesirable outcome example

Replaces "cautionary counterexample" with a more explicit description of the example's nature.

as a cautionary case

Simplifies the phrase by using "case" instead of "counterexample", making it less formal.

as a regrettable demonstration

Highlights the regrettable nature of the example, suitable when emphasizing the negative consequences.

as a disquieting instance

Focuses on the unsettling nature of the example, conveying a sense of unease.

for illustrative purposes of what not to do

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the purpose of the example, providing clarity.

FAQs

What does "as a cautionary counterexample" mean?

The phrase "as a cautionary counterexample" introduces an instance that serves as a warning by presenting an opposite or contrasting scenario. It highlights what should be avoided, acting as a lesson learned from a negative outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "as a cautionary counterexample"?

Use "as a cautionary counterexample" when you want to emphasize a specific instance that stands in stark contrast to a desired outcome, serving as a clear warning against a particular course of action. This phrase is most effective when the contrast is significant and the lesson is unambiguous.

What are some alternatives to "as a cautionary counterexample"?

You can use alternatives like "as a warning example", "as a negative illustration", or "as a cautionary tale" depending on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is "as a cautionary counterexample" formal or informal?

"As a cautionary counterexample" leans towards the formal side due to its somewhat complex structure. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives like "as a warning" or "as a cautionary tale" might be more appropriate.