as a first example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing an initial instance or illustration of a concept or argument you are discussing. Example: "To illustrate the importance of teamwork, let me present as a first example the success of our recent project, which relied heavily on collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

As a first example, consider e-mail.

MIT Technology Review

Let's take Venus at 92A as a first example.

The New York Times

As a first example of non-linear behaviour, creep under tensile loading is considered.

Acta Materialia

As a first example data on graphene layers on SrTiO3 which have been irradiated with Xe36+ are presented.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

The method of solution is described and as a first example, it has been applied to a simple reversible reaction in an axial packed bed electrode.

Electrochimica Acta

As a first example we quasi-statically stretch a bar, hold it, and then rotate it ninety degrees to illustrate the methods finite rotation capabilities.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Here, as a first example we illustrate that resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) signal of Au nanoparticles (NPs) can be amplified >10-fold by growing into Au nanowires (NWs).

Talanta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

As a second example, consider a rigid body in space.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a second example we consider the case of a linear pitch-angle Fokker-Planck coefficient.

Advances in Space Research

As a second example we apply the algorithm to a problem in satellite remote sensing.

Journal of Computational Physics

As a second example, the aldose reductase tolrestat complex is studied.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a first example" to clearly signal the start of a series of examples, especially in academic or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "as a first example" or similar phrases; vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first example" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It serves to signal the beginning of a series of examples that support a statement or argument. Ludwig shows its use in various academic and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a first example" is a grammatically sound and widely used introductory phrase, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts. It serves to clearly signal the initiation of an illustrative series, enhancing comprehension and credibility, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, remember to vary your introductory phrases to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "to begin with" or "for instance" for stylistic variation. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for diverse writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an illustration

Directly relates to providing an illustrative point, maintaining the example-giving context.

for instance

A simpler and more direct way to introduce an example, lacking the ordinal implication.

to illustrate

A more concise verb phrase that introduces an example, losing the explicit ordinal aspect.

by way of example

More formal and emphasizes the act of providing an example but is a bit verbose.

to begin with

Indicates an initial point, shifting focus from exemplification to simple commencement.

a prime example is

Highlights the example as being particularly representative or notable.

initially

Focuses on the temporal aspect of starting something, differing from providing an example.

consider this case

Introduces a specific situation for consideration, rather than a general example.

for starters

More informal and conversational, it implies a beginning, rather than a specific example.

as a starting point

Suggests a beginning for discussion or analysis, instead of a direct illustration.

FAQs

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

Use "as a first example" to introduce the initial illustration or instance of a concept. For example: "As a first example, consider the impact of climate change on coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "as a first example"?

You can use alternatives like "to begin with", "as an illustration", or "for instance" to introduce an initial point or example.

Is it redundant to say "as a first example"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "as a first example" can sometimes be redundant if it's obvious that it's the initial example. Consider using a simpler phrase like "for example" if the 'first' aspect is already clear.

What's the difference between "as a first example" and "as a prime example"?

"As a first example" simply indicates the first in a series of examples, while "as a prime example" highlights the example as being particularly representative or noteworthy.