by the example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the example of" is a perfectly grammatical and acceptable phrase to use in written English.
For example, "He learned how to ride a bike by the example of his older brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our efforts for peace in those regions can be informed and emboldened by the example of regions like the Americas.

The New York Times

Led by the example of Sinatra, most of these artists enjoyed some degree of success.

The Guardian

Maureen, buoyed by the example of her Prime Minister, begins to assert herself in curious ways.

The Guardian - Books

He is inspired, and challenged, by the example of Merle Haggard.

The New Yorker

But, frightened by the example of Eastern Europe, they fear any accompanying decentralization of political power.

The New York Times

It's a solution suggested to me by the example of Thomas Pynchon.

The New Yorker

All her life, she says, she has been inspired by the example of her father.

The New York Times

Inspired by the example of Smith, Robert Capa and other photojournalists, Mr. Greene discovered his vocation.

The Washington Post

Friedman's declaration that the world is flat was motivated by the example of Indian software.

Harvard Business Review

In this chapter, we discuss the topic of hypervisor isolation by the example of networking.

The Cloud Security Ecosystem Technical, Legal, Business and Management Issues

The method was verified successfully by the example of a fuel rail.

International Journal of Fatigue

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "by the example of", provide sufficient context about the example itself. This allows your audience to understand why it's relevant and how it informs the point you're making.

Common error

Ensure that the relationship between the example and the subsequent action is direct and easily understood. Avoid using "by the example of" when the connection is tenuous or unclear, as this can weaken your argument or confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the example of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action or outcome is influenced, guided, or caused by a specific instance. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It sets the foundation for explaining how one thing informs another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the example of" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to illustrate how a specific instance influences a subsequent action or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, notably in news, science, and encyclopedic content. It is used to establish a link of imitation and/or causality offering a wide range of use cases in formal and informal scenarios. While it is generally accepted, writers should ensure a clear and direct relationship between the example and the influenced action to avoid vagueness. Consider using synonyms like "inspired by" or "modeled after" for stylistic variety. Keep in mind that depending on your target audience, there might be better wording for this specific phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspired by

Highlights the inspirational aspect of a particular person or event.

drawing inspiration from

Similar to "inspired by" but suggests a more active process of seeking influence.

exemplified by

Highlights how a particular instance serves as a typical or representative example.

following the lead of

Focuses on direct imitation or adherence to someone's actions.

as demonstrated by

Focuses on using an example to prove or illustrate a point.

modeled after

Emphasizes the structural or design influence of a prior example.

mirroring the actions of

Suggests close duplication or replication of someone's behavior.

taking a cue from

Implies learning or adapting based on subtle hints or signals.

in the style of

Refers to imitating a particular artistic or behavioral style.

guided by the principles of

Focuses on being led by a set of fundamental ideas or rules.

FAQs

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

Use "by the example of" to show that something is being done or understood based on a previous instance. For example, "The students learned discipline by the example of their teacher."

What are some alternatives to using "by the example of"?

You can use alternatives such as "inspired by", "modeled after", or "following the lead of" depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it better to say "by the example of" or "because of the example of"?

"By the example of" is generally more concise and stylistically preferred. "Because of the example of" is grammatically correct but can sound more verbose; consider alternatives for improved flow.

Can I use "by the example of" to describe negative influences?

Yes, "by the example of" can be used to describe negative influences as well. For instance, "The company suffered losses by the example of its competitor's failed marketing campaign."