define example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for a clarification or explanation of what an example is or how it should be used in a specific context. Example: "In your essay, please define example and provide one that illustrates your point clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I tend to use Google to define words (just type your query as "define: example"), and many people use this Firefox plugin as well.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dark and light red crosses define examples of on and off receptive field positions, respectively.

eLife

For this our own position does not need to base the linguistic conventions on the concepts of definition and the defined example.

SEP

(Mikyö Dorje 2006: 293) Where the Indian Buddhist philosophical schools party their company, Kagyü argues, is their conception of the defined example of the ultimate.

SEP

This is indeed," says Karmapa Mikyö Dorje, an indication "of the failure to understand the logic, and the differentiation between the definition (mtshan nyid) and the defined example (mtshan gzhi)." (Mikyö Dorje 2006: 293) The Indian Buddhist philosophical schools only disagree, according to Kagyü, on the issue concerning the defined example (mtshan gzhi) of the two truths.

SEP

(Mikyö Dorje 2006: 294) The non-Prāsaṅgika philosophical schools equate the definition of the ultimate with the defined example, and this is the malady that the Prāsaṅgika seeks to allay.

SEP

Fungal incompatibility provides a genetically well defined example of such a genetic incompatibility.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

As most assessment methodologies are operationally defined instead of being functionally defined, examples of mechanistically based monitoring approaches of bioavailability are still scarce.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Second, the use of this threshold in defining examples of epistasis strikes me as problematic.

eLife

On the other hand, the "*" operation occurs only during the intervals in which both signals are defined (examples are shown in subsequent sections).

Behavior Research Methods

Ilastik is an open-source tool based on user defined examples that train a machine-learning algorithm for identifying pixels of an image that belong to a class of interest [ 93, 136].

Cell Communication and Signaling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define example", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are asking for a definition of what an example is in general, or for a specific example to illustrate a point. For instance, "Before providing examples, let's define example and its purpose in this context."

Common error

Avoid using "define example" when you actually need to "provide an example". "Define example" asks for a definition, not an instance. Use phrases like "for example" or "to illustrate" if you want an instance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "define example" is as a request for definition. It seeks to clarify the meaning or purpose of the word "example" within a given context. Ludwig examples help to understand its correct usage. This contrasts with asking for an actual example to be provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "define example" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request a clarification of the term "example". Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, though primarily within scientific and journalistic domains. When using the phrase, it's crucial to distinguish between asking for a definition versus needing a practical instance. Related phrases such as "explain an example" or "clarify with an example" offer alternative ways to express the need for further clarification or illustration. Understanding its correct function, purpose, and appropriate context ensures effective communication. Remember that although its general usage is confirmed, "define example" seeks for a definition and NOT for an example in action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain an example

This alternative focuses more on providing an explanation of an existing example.

clarify with an example

This option emphasizes using an example to bring clarity to a concept.

illustrate with an instance

It replaces "example" with "instance" for variety and focuses on providing a concrete illustration.

exemplify a concept

This phrase concentrates on how an example makes a concept more clear.

demonstrate by illustration

It highlights the demonstration aspect of using an example through an illustration.

show an instance of

This option is a more direct way of requesting an example.

give an instance

This is an even more direct way of requesting an example, using simpler language.

offer an illustration

Focuses on providing a visual or descriptive example to clarify a concept.

present an instance

Similar to 'give an instance' but slightly more formal.

supply an illustration

A more formal way of asking for an example, implying a detailed explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "define example" in a sentence?

You can use "define example" when you want to understand the meaning or purpose of an example in a particular context. For instance, "Before we proceed, let's define example within the scope of this discussion."

What's the difference between "define example" and "provide an example"?

"Define example" seeks a definition or explanation of what constitutes an example, while "provide an example" requests a specific instance to illustrate a point.

When is it appropriate to use "define example" versus "exemplify"?

Use "define example" when you need to clarify the concept of an example itself. Use "exemplify" when you want to show an example in practice.

Are there any formal alternatives to "define example"?

In a more formal context, you might use "elucidate the concept of an example" or "clarify the function of an example". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while achieving the same goal.