as a negative example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a negative example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an instance or case that illustrates what not to do or a poor practice in a particular context. Example: "The company's failure to communicate effectively served as a negative example for other organizations looking to improve their internal communication strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Though some perceived it as a "Golden Age", a model for the present, some cast it as a negative example, contrasting the resurgence of the arts with the decadence of society and the loss of an ethical and political conscience thus revealing that the triumphalist model had its detractors and that the reaction to the Renaissance was more complex than it may at first appear.

Harvard University

-- decided to use the one image the author explicitly, and properly, uses as a negative example inside the book.

The New York Times

And even the successful uprising in Kyrgyzstan last year is seen elsewhere as a negative example.

The Economist

He was taken as a negative example, and to be called an "Uncle Tom" became a deep insult.

Britannica

Spending time in Berlin last fall, I noticed how often Nazism was invoked in artistic matters not as history but as a negative example for contemporary style.

The New Yorker

However, Erdogan's office said the president had cited the era as a negative example to explain that bad rule can emerge in all political systems.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But they saw her as being a negative example, and one of their main problems is: Why did she lie?

The New York Times

We measure the performance of the constructed classification models using the following metrics: accuracy (Acc) defined as the ratio of true prediction to the total number of prediction, sensitivity (Sen) defined as the probability that a true example is classified as true and specificity (Spe) defined as the probability that a negative example is classified as negative.

Bioinformatics

The pattern 'transcript factor protx' strongly hints toward a negative example, as it indicates that the text defines the protein as a particular transcription factor rather than actually discussing transcription of that protein.

Bioinformatics

As for the negative example, these problems included a negative example in which the target knowledge could not work.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

SVMs learn from a training data sample consisting of both positive as well as negative examples of a classification problem along with their features.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scenario "as a negative example", provide enough detail for the audience to understand the factors that led to the undesirable outcome. This helps avoid misinterpretations and ensures the lesson is accurately conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "as a negative example" to draw broad conclusions from isolated incidents. Ensure that the example is representative and relevant, rather than an anomaly, to maintain credibility and avoid misleading generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a negative example" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb by providing context. It serves to identify something as a model to be avoided or a case that illustrates undesirable consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a negative example" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote something that should be avoided or serves as a cautionary tale. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. While not extremely common, the phrase appears across various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and academic domains. Using this phrase effectively involves clearly contrasting it with a positive alternative to ensure the intended lesson is understood. Common errors include overgeneralizing from specific instances. Consider alternatives like "as a cautionary tale" or "as an object lesson" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a model of what not to do

Directly contrasts with a positive model, specifying actions to avoid.

as a cautionary tale

Focuses on the narrative aspect of a situation, highlighting lessons learned from past mistakes rather than merely a bad instance.

as an illustration of failure

Highlights that the example is a clear picture of a certain kind of failure and that has the function of illustration.

as an object lesson

Emphasizes the didactic nature of the example, presenting it as a clear lesson to be absorbed.

as a warning sign

Highlights that the example is a sign that something is going to go wrong, and that functions as a warning

as a deterrent

Highlights the preventative aspect, suggesting the example serves to discourage similar actions.

as an undesirable outcome

Shifts the focus to the result or consequence, presenting the example as a path to avoid.

as an adverse consequence

Highlights that the example is an adverse result of a particular action or decision.

as a poor precedent

Implies the example could set a negative standard for future actions or decisions.

as a bad influence

Focuses on the impact of the example on others, suggesting it has a corrupting effect.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as a negative example" in a sentence?

To effectively use "as a negative example", ensure you clearly contrast it with a positive or desired outcome. Providing context and details about why the example is negative will enhance clarity and understanding.

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

You can use alternatives such as "as a cautionary tale", "as an object lesson", or "as a model of what not to do" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to focus on positive examples rather than using something "as a negative example"?

While positive examples are valuable, using something "as a negative example" can be equally effective, especially when highlighting potential pitfalls. A balance of both can provide a comprehensive understanding.

When is it inappropriate to use something "as a negative example"?

It is inappropriate to use something "as a negative example" if it is based on biased information, lacks sufficient context, or could be misconstrued to unfairly criticize individuals or groups.