exemplary

USAGE SUMMARY

'exemplary' is a correct word in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is a good example of something, especially of how to behave or of how to do something. For example: His exemplary behavior earned him respect throughout the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He has led the Tories with exemplary skill and if, like me, you have been lucky enough to meet him – you know you have been touched by greatness.

The Guardian

A local mix of ten spices and herbs including turmeric, cloves, dried rose petals and cinnamon makes meals exemplary.

The Guardian

"We would like to thank the Crown Office and Police Scotland for helping to bring this case to a successful conviction, as well as the exemplary work of the RSPB Scotland investigations team.

The Guardian

"Tens of millions of people ride rollercoasters around the world every day, every week, and Alton Towers has had exemplary safety.

The Guardian

Rooms from £130 plus tax to £2,060, [phone], fairmont.com/queenelizabeth It was in this Texan hotel that blues guitarist Robert Johnson demonstrated his exemplary playing on a number of recordings.

The Guardian - Travel

"Transfield has been an exemplary corporate citizen and its record of philanthropic support for arts companies and events has few equals in Australia," the letter said.

The Guardian

They are exemplary professionals and their associative work is very good.

The Guardian - Sport

He said Jock's behaviour in prison had been "exemplary under extreme provocation" and he accused Bulgarian authorities of being "capricious" and "vindictive".

The Guardian

Thomas the Tank Engine doesn't exactly have an exemplary track record when it comes to movie adaptations.

The Guardian - Film

The police decided that the only way to break the line was to make a number of exemplary arrests.

The Guardian

He did just that, throwing caution to the winds on the sodden curves, roundabouts and dead turns to post a time of 19min 54sec for the 10 miles, which was exemplary given the difficult conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing performance, use "exemplary" to denote actions, projects or behaviors that significantly exceeded expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "exemplary" in very casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler word like "excellent" or "great" would be more appropriate. "Exemplary" has a formal tone and might sound out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "exemplary" functions to describe a noun as being of the highest standard, serving as a model for imitation or worthy of high praise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes something that is a good example of its kind. The examples show it modifying nouns like "skill", "work", and "behaviour".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exemplary" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that serves as an ideal model or standard of excellence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes something that is a good example of its kind. It commonly appears in news, formal business communications, and scientific writing to highlight exceptional qualities or behaviors worthy of emulation. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to avoid overuse in informal contexts where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Remember that the usage examples from Ludwig can provide valuable insight into how "exemplary" is applied effectively in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

model

Expresses something that serves as an ideal example.

ideal

Suggests something that represents perfection or a standard of excellence.

outstanding

Indicates something that stands out due to its high quality.

commendable

Describes something deserving praise and approval.

admirable

Implies something that inspires respect and approval.

praiseworthy

Highlights something deserving of praise.

first-rate

Indicates something of the highest quality or standard.

top-notch

Suggests something that is excellent and of the highest quality.

sterling

Implies something of excellent quality or purity.

flawless

Describes something without any imperfections or faults.

FAQs

How can I use "exemplary" in a sentence?

You can use "exemplary" to describe something that serves as a model or is highly commendable. For example, "His "exemplary conduct" earned him a promotion" or "The student showed "exemplary performance" on the exam".

What are some synonyms for "exemplary"?

Alternatives to "exemplary" include "model", "ideal", "outstanding", "commendable", and "admirable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "exemplary"?

Yes, describing a person as "exemplary" is appropriate when their behavior or actions serve as a positive model. For example, you might say "She is an "exemplary employee"" or "He is known for his "exemplary character"".

What is the difference between "exemplary" and "excellent"?

"Exemplary" implies setting a standard for others to follow, while "excellent" simply means very good. Something that is "exemplary" is not only excellent but also serves as an example to be imitated. For example, "exemplary leadership" sets a standard, while "excellent work" is simply of high quality.