example of what

USAGE SUMMARY

Of what? It is technically grammatically correct to say "example of what" in a sentence, for example: "Can you give me an example of what you mean?" or "I am not sure what you are asking for, can you give me an example of what you want?" However, it is more common and natural to use "example of" with a specific noun or concept.
For instance, instead of saying "example of what you mean," it would be more common to say "example of your question" or "example of your idea." As for the phrase "make an example of what," this is not a commonly used phrase in English. It may be used in certain contexts, such as when someone is trying to demonstrate something, for example: "I will make an example of what a proper handshake looks like." However, it is more common to say "show," "demonstrate," or "illustrate" instead of "make an example of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Use me as an example of what you shouldn't do".

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Zinke is an example of what he preaches.

The New York Times

Here's an example of what you can do.

The Guardian

It's a perfect example of what I mean.

The Guardian

Here is an example of what I mean.

The Guardian - Books

Can you give me an example of what you mean?

The Guardian - Tech

Think, for example, of what has become of Times Square.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is the classic example of what scientists call coevolution.

The New York Times - Magazine

Murray Sperber goes, a living example of what he preached.

The New York Times - Sports

He's an example of what can be done.

The Guardian - Sport

Dann's story is an example of what can be achieved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "example of what", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are providing an example of. If the 'what' is vague, rephrase for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "example of what" without a clear antecedent. Ensure your audience understands what concept or idea you are illustrating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "example of what" functions as a connector introducing a specific instance to illustrate a broader concept. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, showcasing its frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "example of what" serves as a connector to illustrate a point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse reputable platforms such as news outlets and scientific publications. To improve clarity, it's best to provide a specific reference following the phrase, avoiding any ambiguity. While generally neutral in tone, consider alternatives like "instance of what" in more formal contexts. Overall, the correct and strategic deployment of the phrase enhances communication by grounding abstract ideas in concrete instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instance of what

Replaces "example" with "instance", focusing on a specific occurrence.

case of what

Substitutes "example" with "case", highlighting a particular situation.

illustration of what

Uses "illustration" instead of "example", suggesting a clarifying depiction.

sample of what

Replaces "example" with "sample", implying a representative subset.

demonstration of what

Uses "demonstration" instead of "example", focusing on a clear display.

specimen of what

Substitutes "example" with "specimen", emphasizing a typical instance.

prototype of what

Employs "prototype" instead of "example", suggesting an initial model.

portrayal of what

Replaces "example" with "portrayal", referring to a descriptive representation.

exhibit of what

Uses "exhibit" instead of "example", highlighting a display or presentation.

type of what

Replaces "example" with "type", indicating a category or class.

FAQs

How can I use "example of what" in a sentence?

Use "example of what" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a general concept. For instance, "This is an "example of what" I mean by clear communication."

What are some alternatives to "example of what"?

You can use alternatives such as "instance of what", "case of what", or "illustration of what" to add variety to your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "example of what" in formal writing?

It's acceptable in formal writing when providing a clear and concise illustration, however, consider more formal synonyms like "instance of what" for enhanced precision.

Is "example of what" grammatically correct?

Yes, "example of what" is grammatically correct, but ensure it is followed by a clause that clarifies the "what". For example, "Here's an "example of what" needs to be improved."