definition and example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definition and example" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when introducing a concept followed by an illustration of that concept. For example, "The term 'photosynthesis' refers to the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy; a definition and example of this process can be found in biology textbooks." Alternative expressions include "explanation and illustration" and "description and instance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Clearly, definition and example in tandem have led to an understanding that any feminist query – no matter how gentle – is extreme and unwarranted.

The Guardian - Opinion

This chapter explores an in-depth definition and example for the use of denormalization to enhance performance of a relational database.

Physical Database Design The Database Professional's Guide to Exploiting Indexes, Views, Storage, and More

One can go slightly farther and once again reuse the same machinery, including symmetry breaking, to compute siphons and traps of the Petri net (see [ 29] for definition and example of use in biology).

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Definition and examples of dissipativity, application to compositional analysis of interconnected systems, case studies.

University of California, Berkeley

The definition and examples of these notes are provided on the form.

University of California, Berkeley

Its critics say, if it finds the IHRA definition and examples acceptable, why not adopt them wholesale?

The Guardian

What Is Triangulation? (//www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/Navigation/1-what-is-triangulation.html) provides an easy-to-understand definition and examples, from the Qualitative Reasoning Group at Northwestern University.

The New York Times

For more detailed classification, definition, and examples of these risk categories, please see 'Annex 9' of Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (2006).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Labour's John McDonnell has condemned posters that have appeared in London saying: "Israel is a racist endeavour". The posters emerged after Labour adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition and examples of anti-Semitism following a drawn-out party row.

BBC

For direct examples of these as well as the definition and examples of conditioning terms, please visit my blog Doglandia.

HuffPost

Definition and examples of delirium features were explained and discussed.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining complex topics, always follow a "definition and example" approach to enhance understanding. This combination clarifies the concept and illustrates its practical application.

Common error

Avoid providing a definition without an accompanying example. A definition alone can be abstract, while an example provides a concrete instance that clarifies the concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definition and example" serves as a connector, typically used to introduce a formal explanation followed by a clarifying instance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples where the phrase acts as a bridge between abstract concepts and their concrete applications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definition and example" is a grammatically correct phrase used to enhance understanding by pairing abstract explanations with concrete illustrations. While moderately common, its usage spans across various contexts, including science, academia, and news. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while generally correct, focusing on providing both elements (definition and illustration) is important for optimal clarity. Consider alternatives like "explanation and demonstration" for broader applications, and always ensure the example directly relates to and clarifies the definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definition with illustration

This alternative replaces "example" with "illustration", maintaining the core meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

explanation and real-world example

Adds emphasis on the authenticity of the provided instance for better clarity and understanding.

definition and specific case

Similar to "definition and example" but emphasizes the specificity of the instance provided.

definition accompanied by an instance

This option uses "instance" instead of "example", making it more suitable for formal or technical writing.

definition and practical application

Focuses on real-world use to demonstrate the definition, instead of using a simple example.

description and concrete illustration

Uses a more detailed adjective for 'illustration' to improve semantic content and clarity.

explanation and demonstration

Replaces both "definition" and "example" for a broader expression of clarifying and showing something.

meaning and application

Focuses on the practical use of the definition, rather than just an isolated example.

concept and case study

This is more specific, suggesting a detailed analysis of a particular situation to exemplify the concept.

theory and practice

Highlights the combination of theoretical explanation with real-world implementation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "definition and example" in a sentence?

Use "definition and example" to introduce a concept followed by a specific instance that illustrates the concept. For instance, "The term 'photosynthesis' requires a "definition and example" to be fully understood".

What are some alternatives to "definition and example"?

You can use alternatives such as "explanation and illustration", "meaning and application", or "concept and case study", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required. You can find a list of appropriate expressions on the "related phrases" section.

In academic writing, is it better to use "definition and example" or a more formal alternative?

While "definition and example" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "definition accompanied by an instance" or "description and concrete illustration" might be preferred in academic writing for their increased precision and formality.

Why is providing both a definition and an example important?

Providing both a definition and an example ensures clarity and enhances understanding. The definition offers a formal explanation, while the example provides a concrete instance that clarifies the concept and demonstrates its real-world relevance. See the "best practices" section to improve usage.