example

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'example' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular instance or illustration of something. For example: "This is an example of a successful business strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There will be some circumstances in which it's right for public bodies, for example at the border, at airport security, to say there is a practical necessity for asking somebody to remove a veil.

The Guardian

So when a white person holds objectionable views — racism, for example — we rightly condemn them.

The New York Times

The Arctic, for example.

The Guardian - Travel

Take this example.

The Guardian

Amendments adopted in 2014, for example, give authorities the right to cut internet and mobile phone access without judicial review.

The Guardian

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

Summers pointed to the example of Sweden, which was regularly cited by economists who favored nationalization.

The Economist

They could be compensated through some kind of rebate, or a cut in other taxes; it's been proposed, for example, that revenues from a carbon tax could be used to reduce the payroll tax.

The Economist

She gives an example.

The New York Times

Another example is the disproportionate suspicion given to and police targeting of black men in tracksuits, whereas their white counterparts are more likely to be seen as joggers.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to Eurodad, the coalition of civil society groups that campaigns on debt, there have been 600 sovereign debt restructurings since the 1950s – with many governments, including Argentina for example, experiencing one wrenching write-off after another.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "example", ensure it directly relates to the statement you are supporting. A relevant "example" strengthens your writing, while an unrelated one can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "example" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "for instance", "such as", or "to illustrate" to make your writing more engaging and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The word "example" functions primarily as a connector, introducing a specific instance to illustrate a general point. As indicated by Ludwig, it helps to provide clarity and supports the argument being made. It also functions as a noun, refering to particular occurence of a concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "example" is a very common and grammatically correct term used to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader point. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a crucial connector in sentences, aiding in clarification and providing support to arguments. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, making it a versatile term in both written and spoken communication. To avoid redundancy, synonyms such as "for instance" and "such as" can be used. Ultimately, "example" is an indispensable tool for making abstract concepts more tangible and arguments more persuasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for instance

Synonym that is perfectly interchangeable with "example" and has the exact same meaning.

such as

Used to introduce one or more examples.

as an illustration

More formal way to introduce an example.

by way of example

Formal way to introduce an illustrative instance.

to illustrate

Focuses on the act of clarifying through an example.

a case in point

Highlights a specific instance that proves a general statement.

to give an instance

Focuses on providing a concrete instance.

consider

Directs attention to a specific instance for consideration.

as a demonstration

Highlights the illustrative aspect of the example.

take the case of

Suggests a detailed examination of a particular situation.

FAQs

How do I use "example" in a sentence?

Use "example" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader point. For instance, you might say, "The company's success is due to several factors; for example, its innovative marketing strategies and customer service."

What can I say instead of "example"?

You can use alternatives like "for instance", "such as", "to illustrate", or "a case in point", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "example" or "for example"?

"Example" refers to a specific instance, while "for example" introduces an instance that illustrates a point. Both are correct, but they serve different functions in a sentence.

What's the difference between "example" and "instance"?

While both terms refer to specific occurrences, "example" typically serves to illustrate a broader concept or rule, while "instance" simply denotes a particular occurrence of something.