as a prime example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a prime example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader point or concept. Example: "The study of climate change impacts on polar bears serves as a prime example of how environmental changes can affect wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Take the USA as a prime example.

The Guardian

Take peer review as a prime example.

The Guardian

He cites Loverboy's Notorious as a prime example.

The Guardian

He pointed to Nick Faldo as a prime example.

The New York Times - Sports

The solar industry serves as a prime example.

The New York Times

Fielding cites last week's appearance by burlesque pop star Paloma Faith as a prime example.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Bush, by contrast, sees Medicare as a prime example of government regulation run wild.

The New York Times

The report cites Congo as a prime example of colossal and continued failure to protect.

The Guardian

The administration used the company as a prime example of stimulus bill dollars creating "green jobs".

The New York Times

Some advocates for drug legalization cite Halsted as a prime example of the functioning addict.

The New York Times - Health

Google cited advertising as a prime example of the success of Google Plus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a prime example" to highlight a particularly strong or representative instance that clearly supports your point. This phrase adds emphasis and helps the reader quickly grasp the connection between the example and your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "as a prime example" repeatedly within a short span of text. Overuse can make your writing sound formulaic and repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "for instance", "to illustrate", or "as a case in point".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a prime example" functions as an adjunct, specifically serving as a discourse marker or linking phrase. It introduces a specific case intended to clarify and support a preceding statement, indicating a strong instance to illustrate a broader point, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a prime example" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that serves to introduce a particularly strong and illustrative instance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a discourse marker, providing clarification and strengthening arguments across various contexts, notably in News & Media and scientific writing. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "for instance" or "to illustrate" to maintain stylistic variation. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance in formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a case in point

Emphasizes the relevance of the example to the preceding statement.

for instance

A more general way to introduce an example, slightly less formal.

to illustrate

Highlights the clarifying nature of the example.

as an illustration

Similar to "to illustrate", but functions as a noun phrase.

by way of example

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the purpose of the example.

a notable instance is

Draws attention to the significance of the example.

a telling example is

Highlights the revealing or informative nature of the example.

consider

Invites the listener or reader to think about a specific example.

take for example

A more conversational way to introduce an example.

specifically

Narrows the focus to a particular instance, often used to provide a concrete detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a prime example" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader point. For example, "The study of climate change impacts on polar bears serves "as a prime example" of how environmental changes can affect wildlife."

What can I say instead of "as a prime example"?

You can use alternatives like "for instance", "to illustrate", or "as a case in point" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as a primary example" instead of "as a prime example"?

While "primary" and "prime" can sometimes be synonyms, "as a prime example" is the more idiomatic and commonly used phrase to denote a top or best example. "As a primary example" might suggest one of several initial examples, rather than the most representative one.

What is the difference between "as a prime example" and "for example"?

"As a prime example" implies that the example is particularly illustrative or significant, whereas "for example" is a more general way to introduce an instance. "As a prime example" carries more emphasis.