as an object lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an object lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something serves as a practical example or warning to illustrate a point or teach a lesson. Example: "The company's failure serves as an object lesson for others in the industry about the importance of financial planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The form persists as an object lesson.

The New York Times - Magazine

New Jersey serves as an object lesson.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's strategists view that victory as an object lesson.

The New York Times

Mitterrand had intended the Paribas trial as an object lesson.

The New Yorker

But the raid served as an object lesson in the group's tenacity and adaptability.

The New York Times

I know that some now criticize the action in Libya as an object lesson.

The New York Times

The whole sorry debacle should serve as an object lesson to the government as 2012 approaches.

The Guardian - Opinion

And thus he serves as an object lesson to many of us.

The New York Times

"The prison stands as an object lesson in the need for radical reform".

The Guardian

"Cory's Yellow Chair" serves as an object lesson in energy and entropy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This experience (which we rectified) will be described as an object lesson in more detail elsewhere.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an object lesson" to underscore a key takeaway, especially when illustrating consequences or principles. Ensure the context clearly links the event to the broader lesson.

Common error

Avoid using "as an object lesson" when the example is merely illustrative rather than a profound lesson. The phrase suggests a significant, often cautionary, learning experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an object lesson" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the purpose or result of an action. According to Ludwig AI, it serves as a practical example or warning to illustrate a point or teach a lesson.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an object lesson" is a frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the instructive or cautionary nature of an event. As Ludwig AI states, it points out a practical example. The phrase is mostly found in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed, ensure its appropriateness by confirming a clear link exists between the event and the intended lesson. Consider using alternatives like "as a cautionary tale" or "as a prime example" for subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a cautionary tale

Focuses more specifically on the warning aspect of the lesson.

as a prime example

Highlights the typical or representative nature of the example.

as a case in point

Introduces a specific instance that illustrates a general principle.

as a teaching moment

Emphasizes the educational aspect of the situation.

as an illustration

A more general term for providing an example to clarify something.

as a model

Suggests something is worthy of emulation or imitation, but can be interpreted as a warning.

as a deterrent

Stresses the preventative aspect, discouraging similar actions.

as an exemplar

Highlights the excellent or ideal quality of the example.

as a paradigm

Implies a broader, more fundamental example that shapes understanding.

as a warning sign

Emphasizes the danger and potential negative consequences involved.

FAQs

How can I use "as an object lesson" in a sentence?

Use "as an object lesson" to show how something serves as a practical example or warning. For instance, "The company's bankruptcy stands "as an object lesson" in the perils of over leveraging."

What are some alternatives to "as an object lesson"?

You can use alternatives like "as a cautionary tale", "as a prime example", or "as a case in point" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "as an example" or "as an object lesson"?

"As an example" is more general and neutral, while "as an object lesson" implies a more profound and often cautionary learning experience. Use "as an object lesson" when you want to highlight a significant lesson learned.

What's the difference between "as a lesson" and "as an object lesson"?

"As a lesson" is a broader term that simply means something provides a learning opportunity. "As an object lesson" suggests that something serves as a clear and practical example, often with a cautionary or instructive purpose.