by my example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by my example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone should follow your behavior or actions as a model for their own. Example: "I hope to inspire my team to work harder by my example."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

You can tell how old I am by my example.

MIT Technology Review

It's a line from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein": "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge".

The New York Times - Books

But you wouldn't know by looking at it and apparently if my children are going by my example, they don't know it either.

The New York Times

And people say to me they're inspired by my example and I tell them I'm still just trying to make it happen.

The Guardian

None of the above relates to the employer penalties associated with the new law, because the employers covered by my example avoid the penalty by continuing to offer comprehensive insurance to full-time employees.

The New York Times

Let the vanquished learn by my example".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The notion of decentralizing service depots as indicated by my examples is, of course, a well-understood marketing strategy, but it deserves additional consideration as an alternative use of service "production" capacity.

Harvard Business Review

"I want to show my students, by my own example, the importance of having a positive mental attitude when facing what seems like impossible challenges in life.

Huffington Post

This is a music full of surprises, perhaps especially if heard by surprise, as my example proves.

The New York Times - Arts

This amount (highlighted by the purple arrow in my example below) is determined by the elections on your form W-4 based on exemptions and any additional withholding.

Forbes

There are at least 30,000 reasons why readers should not follow my example by seeking to boost their income via the bookmakers.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by my example", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to your actions or behavior as a model for others. This adds clarity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "by my example" when you are not actively demonstrating or embodying the behavior you wish to promote. It implies a conscious effort to lead, not just a coincidental outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by my example" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, indicating how something is being done. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and that it indicates following one's behavior as a model.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Cover Letter

5%

HuffPost

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by my example" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to convey that one's actions serve as a model for others. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not exceedingly common, it appears across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, and formal business settings. To ensure clarity, it's best to use "by my example" when you are actively demonstrating the behavior you wish to promote. Consider alternatives like "through my actions" or "by setting an example" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through my actions

Focuses on the actions themselves as the method of influence.

by setting an example

Highlights the act of establishing a pattern for others to follow.

by my behavior

Highlights one's personal conduct as a guide for others.

by my conduct

Emphasizes behavior as the guiding principle.

as a role model

Focuses on the aspect of being a person others can emulate.

following my lead

Suggests a more direct form of guidance and imitation.

showing the way

Implies guiding others through one's own actions and experiences.

as I demonstrate

Highlights the act of showing or proving something.

through my demonstration

Stresses the act of showing how something is done.

in my footsteps

Implies a desire for others to follow the same path.

FAQs

How can I use "by my example" in a sentence?

You can use "by my example" to show that you are demonstrating something for others to follow, like: "I hope to inspire my team to work harder "by my example"."

What's a more formal way to say "by my example"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "through my actions" or "by setting an example". These phrases maintain the meaning while sounding more professional.

Is it better to say "learn by my example" or "learn from my example"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "learn from my example" is more common and natural. "Learn by my example" is acceptable, but it's used less frequently.

What is the difference between "by my example" and "by my own example"?

While both phrases express the idea of using one's own actions as a model, "by my own example" emphasizes that the speaker's actions are their personal model, potentially in contrast to external standards. Using ""by my example"" simply refers to their actions as a model.