be an exemplar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be an exemplar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to serve as a model or example for others to follow. Example: "In our community, we strive to be an exemplar of kindness and generosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

London should be an exemplar of good practice.

The Guardian

This show will be an exemplar of that.

Independent

The second was that Europe had to be an exemplar to the rest of the world.

The Economist

The Tehran Symphony Orchestra used to be an exemplar of Iranian cultural excellence.

The New York Times - Arts

Ed Ruscha may be an exemplar of California cool in both his person and his art, but stylistically, he's more like Switzerland.

The New York Times - Arts

Since Kim doesn't exactly seem to be an exemplar of self-awareness, I suppose it's possible that she really believed she and Humphries would live happily ever after.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Villa is an exemplar in these respects.

The Guardian - Sport

The device was an exemplar of Rube Goldberg ingenuity.

The New York Times - Health

He was an exemplar of a simple populism.

The New Yorker

Johnson is an exemplar of the post-categorical age.

The New York Times - Books

Ryan has been an exemplar in that respect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "be an exemplar" when you want to inspire others to emulate certain standards or practices.

Common error

While "be an exemplar" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "set a good example" or "be a role model" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be an exemplar" functions as a directive and descriptive expression, urging one to serve as a model of excellence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its use across various contexts, highlighting its role in inspiring and guiding others.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be an exemplar" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that calls for someone or something to serve as a model of excellence. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While appropriate in many situations, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. The phrase's purpose is to encourage the adoption of positive behaviors and high standards, supported by numerous real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a model

This alternative directly conveys the act of providing a pattern for others to imitate.

set a good example

This phrase emphasizes the act of demonstrating positive behavior for others to follow.

act as a role model

This suggests a more proactive and influential position of inspiring others.

be a shining example

This highlights exceptional quality and serves as an admirable case.

embody best practices

This emphasizes the implementation of ideal methods and standards.

be a standard-bearer

This phrase implies leading and championing a particular cause or principle.

pave the way

This suggests creating a path for others to follow through innovation or leadership.

be a guiding light

This illustrates the act of providing direction and inspiration.

show the way

This is a simpler way of expressing the act of guiding others by example.

be a paragon

This indicates possessing exceptional merit and being a model of perfection.

FAQs

How can I use "be an exemplar" in a sentence?

You can use "be an exemplar" to suggest that someone or something should serve as a model for others to follow. For instance, "This program should "serve as a model" of sustainability for other communities."

What are some alternatives to saying "be an exemplar"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "set a good example", ""serve as a model"", or "act as a role model".

Is it better to say "be an exemplar" or "set a good example"?

Both phrases are correct, but "be an exemplar" is more formal and emphasizes a higher standard of excellence. "Set a good example" is more commonly used in everyday contexts.

What does it mean to "be an exemplar" in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, to "be an exemplar" means to demonstrate outstanding qualities, skills, or behaviors that others should emulate. It implies "embodying best practices" and serving as a benchmark for performance.