as a cautionary example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a cautionary example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation or story that serves as a warning or lesson to others. Example: "The author included the tale of the failed startup as a cautionary example for aspiring entrepreneurs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Mr. Salinas's fate also served as a cautionary example.

The New York Times

What's different is that we have Japan as a cautionary example.

The New York Times

He invoked the Duke lacrosse case as a cautionary example of due process succumbing to the passions of a community inflamed.

The New Yorker

While Western diplomats point to the Japan model, there is another one — the Libya model — that could serve as a cautionary example for the Iranian government.

The New York Times

But the extreme Japanese experience, most analysts agree, stands less as a prediction of America's fate than as a cautionary example.

The New York Times

A duet between Mr. Bieber and Miley Cyrus, just 16 months older, serves as a cautionary example of how quickly a child star can begin to look middle aged and irrelevant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In between the autonomous cars, maps packed with real-time data, and the amount of top talent now working for it, Uber's new location technology may eventually make its "God View tool" — once held up as an (cautionary) example of Uber's prowess — look almost primitive in comparison.

TechCrunch

China is a cautionary example.

The New Yorker

Is Miller Ryall's craziness a cautionary example for Bradley?

The New Yorker

Another prime minister, Sousuke Uno, provided a cautionary example for avoiding the clubs.

The New York Times

There is a cautionary example, economists say, in today's troubles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a cautionary example" when you want to highlight a specific instance that others should learn from to avoid similar negative outcomes. It's best suited when presenting a clear and direct warning.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "as a cautionary example" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "as a warning example" or "as a lesson" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a cautionary example" functions as an introductory phrase used to preface an instance or situation that serves as a warning. It indicates that the following information should be considered carefully to avoid similar negative outcomes. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a cautionary example" is a useful tool for introducing instances that serve as warnings or lessons. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its use should be balanced with alternative expressions to avoid repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse sources, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. Understanding its function, purpose, and register allows for its effective integration into writing, enhancing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a warning example

Replaces "cautionary" with "warning", emphasizing the element of potential danger.

as a cautionary tale

Substitutes "example" with "tale", implying a narrative that illustrates a negative outcome.

as a lesson

Uses "lesson" instead of "example", highlighting the instructive aspect.

as a word of caution

Presents the information as advice or a warning statement.

by way of warning

Emphasizes the act of providing a warning or caution.

for illustrative purposes

Focuses on the illustrative function, implying a broader application beyond just warnings.

as an object lesson

Highlights the use of something tangible to teach a moral or practical point.

as a negative precedent

Indicates a situation that should not be repeated or followed.

serving as a deterrent

Focuses on the action of preventing something undesirable from happening.

a classic case of

Highlights something is a typical instance with negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "as a cautionary example" in a sentence?

Use "as a cautionary example" to introduce a specific situation or case that serves as a warning to others. For instance, "The company's failure to adapt to new technologies serves "as a cautionary example" for other businesses in the industry."

What are some alternatives to saying "as a cautionary example"?

You can use alternatives such as "as a warning example", "as a cautionary tale", or "as a lesson" depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate to use "as a cautionary example" when you want to draw attention to a specific case that carries a lesson or warning that others can learn from to avoid similar mistakes or negative outcomes.

Is there a difference between "as a cautionary example" and "as a cautionary tale"?

While similar, "as a cautionary example" refers more broadly to a specific instance, while "as a cautionary tale" implies a narrative or story that illustrates a negative outcome. The choice depends on whether you are presenting a specific case or a more detailed narrative.