by means of example

USAGE SUMMARY

"by means of example" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce an example that can help to clarify your point or illustrate something. For example: "By means of example, let's look at how this idea applies to a small business setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Application of the computational methods is illustrated by means of example design problems that are worked in complete detail.

Process Heat Transfer Principles, Applications and Rules of Thumb

By means of example, the theory is applied to the effective elastic response of nanocrystalline materials with an excess slip compliance at grain boundaries.

Acta Materialia

This paper therefore aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing data mining techniques and related tools and to illustrate the potential of data mining for different research areas by means of example applications.

Ecological Modelling

We illustrate it for a 30 mass% R32/R134a binary refrigerant mixture by means of example dew- and bubble-point problems, in addition to the calculation of P h and T h diagrams.

International Journal of Refrigeration

Three potential areas where this issue could arise are outlined here by means of example: First, the prevention efforts are not technically feasible; Second, they are too costly; Third, the crime will only displace and so there is no point.

Crime Science

By means of example, process II is eliminated in G85R apoSOD12SH, while processes I, III, and IV can no longer be detected in A4V A4VSOD12SH.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The distinction is easily illustrated by means of examples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The technical term sense-data is sometimes explained by means of examples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beginning in Pune, he delivered hundreds of religious and philosophical discourses, which he called jnana yajñas ("knowledge offerings"), in the major cities of India, explaining the esoteric Vedanta philosophy simply and logically by means of examples drawn from everyday life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some results and comparison are provided by means of examples.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

These notions are often spelled out by means of examples.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by means of example", ensure the example directly and clearly supports the point you are making. A weak example can undermine your argument.

Common error

While "by means of example" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Consider more direct alternatives like "for example" or "to illustrate" for a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by means of example" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce or clarify a concept through a specific example. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and helps to illustrate points, providing clarity and depth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by means of example" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase best suited for formal writing contexts, particularly in scientific and academic domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively introduces clarifying examples. While functional, it's less common in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "for example" or "to illustrate" are preferred. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain a natural writing style and ensure the example strongly supports your argument. The phrase serves to add clarity, but its formal tone should align with the overall context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through illustrative examples

Replaces "by means of" with "through" and emphasizes the illustrative nature of the examples.

using example illustrations

Emphasizes the use of examples that serve as illustrations.

illustrated with examples

A more concise way of saying that something is being shown using examples.

exemplified by means of instances

Substitutes 'example' with 'instances' and maintains a formal tone.

via illustrative instances

Uses "via" as a shorter alternative to "by means of" and highlights the illustrative nature.

demonstrated through examples

Highlights the act of demonstrating a concept using examples.

as an illustration

Offers a shorter, more direct way to introduce an example.

for instance

A very common and concise way to introduce an example.

by way of illustration

Similar in meaning to "by means of example" but focuses on the act of illustrating.

to illustrate

A simplified and direct way to indicate the purpose of giving an example.

FAQs

How can I use "by means of example" in a sentence?

You can use "by means of example" to introduce an example that clarifies or illustrates a concept. For instance, "By means of example, let's consider the case of a small business adopting this strategy."

What are some alternatives to "by means of example"?

Alternatives include more common phrases like "for example", "to illustrate", or "as an illustration".

Is "by means of example" too formal for everyday writing?

While grammatically correct, "by means of example" leans towards formal writing. For less formal contexts, consider using "for example" or "to illustrate".

What's the difference between "by means of example" and "for example"?

"By means of example" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "for example". The latter is generally preferred in most contexts due to its simplicity and directness.