example to follow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'example to follow' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an example that a person should imitate or use as a guide in their own actions. For example: "The boss set a great example to follow - he always worked hard and stayed late to finish projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is Israel a good example to follow?

Independent

He has an example to follow.

The New Yorker

It was a daunting example to follow.

The Guardian

"Sir Paul has set the example to follow.

The Guardian

To be fair, it is an awesome example to follow.

The Guardian

The power of positive thinking has rarely had such a good example to follow.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't think it's an example to follow, but I don't think it'll last very long.

The Guardian - Film

In Madrid, the locksmiths of Pamplona are being held up as an example to follow.

The Guardian

"It's a good example to follow because Ashley is top," Wenger said.

The Guardian - Sport

And there's no better example to follow than Richard Nixon in 1968.

The New York Times

But supporters of the Colorado proposal cited New Mexico as an example to follow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "example to follow" when you want to highlight a specific person, action, or method that others should emulate to achieve a similar positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "example to follow" interchangeably with "role model". While both terms indicate someone to admire, "example to follow" typically refers to a specific action or method, whereas "role model" describes a person whose overall behavior and character are worthy of imitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "example to follow" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific instance, person, or action that serves as a guide or standard for others. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "example to follow" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote a specific instance or model worthy of imitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to encourage the replication of positive behaviors or successful strategies. The phrase is frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, be mindful of its distinction from "role model", which refers to a person's overall character. Alternatives such as "model to emulate" and "precedent to observe" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Model to emulate

Replaces 'example' with 'model' and 'follow' with 'emulate', emphasizing imitation.

Precedent to observe

Substitutes 'example' with 'precedent' and 'follow' with 'observe', highlighting adherence to established practice.

Standard to uphold

Uses 'standard' instead of 'example' and 'uphold' instead of 'follow', focusing on maintaining a level of quality or behavior.

Guideline to adhere to

Replaces 'example' with 'guideline' and 'follow' with 'adhere to', stressing compliance with specific rules.

Blueprint to replicate

Substitutes 'example' with 'blueprint' and 'follow' with 'replicate', indicating a detailed plan for duplication.

Template to mirror

Uses 'template' instead of 'example' and 'mirror' instead of 'follow', suggesting close imitation of a pattern.

Paradigm to imitate

Replaces 'example' with 'paradigm' and 'follow' with 'imitate', indicating a broader, more theoretical model.

Criterion to meet

Substitutes 'example' with 'criterion' and 'follow' with 'meet', emphasizing achieving a required level or benchmark.

Benchmark to surpass

Uses 'benchmark' instead of 'example' and 'surpass' instead of 'follow', suggesting exceeding a known standard.

Ideal to strive for

Replaces 'example' with 'ideal' and 'follow' with 'strive for', focusing on pursuing a perfect standard.

FAQs

How to use "example to follow" in a sentence?

You can use "example to follow" to highlight something or someone that others should emulate. For example, "The company's sustainability initiatives are a good "example to follow" for other businesses."

What can I say instead of "example to follow"?

You can use alternatives like "model to emulate", "precedent to observe", or "standard to uphold depending on the context.

Which is correct, "example to follow" or "example for following"?

"Example to follow" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Example for following" is grammatically awkward and less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "example to follow" and "ideal to strive for"?

An "example to follow" is a concrete instance of something that has been successfully done, whereas "ideal to strive for" is a goal or aspiration that may not yet have been fully realized.