draw on the example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw on the example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to using a specific example as a reference or source of inspiration in your writing or argumentation. Example: "In my analysis, I will draw on the example of successful companies that have embraced sustainability practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"In our own time, as millions around the world suffer from disease, especially the pandemic of H.I.V./AIDS, we should draw on the example of Father Damien's resolve in answering the urgent call to heal and care for the sick," the president said in a statement.

The New York Times

We draw on the example of DePuy Orthopaedics' Articular Surface Replacement (ASR™) hip system to show systemic failure of medical implant governance in the United Kingdom (UK).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Again, to draw on the examples of the car and the television industries, this new technology changes the way in which people lead their lives, but it can only do so once everyone has access to it and enough companies are in the same space battling it out for the consumers wallet.

Forbes

Drawing on the example of immiscible displacement of oil by water in a one-dimensional, semi-infinite porous medium, we compare four types of synthetic downstream boundary conditions Dirichlet (first kind), Neumann (second kind), Robin (third kind), and what is in essence none to find which is the most efficient when predictions are to be computed from the solution of the governing equation set.

Chemical Engineering Science

This is where he draws on the example of the North Vietnamese Army.

The New York Times

In a lecture to the Smith Institute, he drew on the example of William Beveridge, William Temple and RH Tawney as the architects of the welfare state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both in inspiration and preparation, the expedition drew on the example of Cook and to a lesser extent, the French mariner Louis Antoine de Bougainville.

The New York Times - Science

In it he draws on the example of the John Lewis Partnership to propose that for the public sector to survive it must become unafraid of handing responsibility back to frontline employees.

The Guardian

We will ask exam boards to prepare new tests in English, maths, the sciences, history, geography and languages, drawing on the example of other countries with the best education systems.

The Guardian

Since 2005, suicide bombings have been a common weapon for the Taliban and militants of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, who have drawn on the example set by terrorist groups in Iraq.

The New York Times

These stunning pieces demonstrate that, although drawing on the example of the great works being produced during his Venetian youth — notably by Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione and Dürer — he was already a master who had established a style of his own.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "draw on the example", ensure that the example is relevant and clearly supports your argument or explanation. Provide sufficient context so that readers understand the connection.

Common error

Avoid using an example that doesn't accurately reflect your point or misrepresenting details to fit your argument. Always verify that your interpretation aligns with the original context of the example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw on the example" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a specific instance or case being used as support or illustration. It signals that the writer or speaker is utilizing a particular example to strengthen their argument or explanation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw on the example" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for referencing specific instances to support arguments. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and suitable for written English. While not exceptionally common, it finds use across various domains, including news, science, and business. Remember to ensure the example is relevant and accurately represented. For variety, consider alternatives like "use the illustration" or "refer to the instance". Proper usage strengthens your writing and provides concrete support for your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use the illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration" while maintaining the same meaning of utilizing a specific case for explanation.

refer to the instance

Substitutes "draw on" with "refer to" and "example" with "instance" to convey a similar act of referencing a particular case.

take a cue from the precedent

Replaces "draw on the example" with an idiom that indicates taking inspiration or guidance from a previous similar situation.

emulate the model

Focuses on imitating or following the example as a standard or ideal.

follow the lead of the case

Suggests using the example as a guide or starting point for a particular action or decision.

learn from the instance

Highlights the aspect of gaining knowledge or insight from the example.

consider the illustration

Suggests carefully thinking about the example to inform a decision or understanding.

cite the precedent

Formally mentions the example as an authority or support for an argument.

adopt the methodology

Focuses on using the approach or methods demonstrated in the example.

mirror the strategy

Implies closely imitating the plan or approach used in the example.

FAQs

How can I use "draw on the example" in a sentence?

You can use "draw on the example" to introduce a specific instance or case that supports your argument. For instance, "To illustrate this point, I will draw on the example of successful companies that have embraced sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "draw on the example"?

Alternatives include "use the illustration", "refer to the instance", or "take a cue from the precedent".

Is it better to say "draw on the example" or "refer to the example"?

Both "draw on the example" and "refer to the example" are correct. "Draw on" suggests a more active and involved use of the example, while "refer to" is a more neutral reference.

What does it mean to "draw on" something?

To "draw on" something means to utilize it as a resource, source of information, or inspiration. In the context of "draw on the example", it means to use a particular case to support an argument or illustrate a point.