explain by example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain by example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to clarify a concept or idea by providing specific instances or illustrations. Example: "To help you understand the concept of gravity, I will explain by example how it affects objects in free fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I try to explain by example that there are good, decent, employable but destitute people in New York City.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The point may perhaps best be explained by example.

The New York Times

This procedure is best explained by example.

Bioinformatics

What this means can be explained by example.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Although, the method can be best explained by example, first we introduce some necessary notation.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

The search procedure is explained by example in Supplementary Figure S2.

Bioinformatics

The steps required in preparing this complex dataset for analysis (transform, account for death, impute missing data – "tdi") are explained by example here, and in more detail in Appendix 1.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

This is largely explained by examples from the life of a saintly or pious person, often the Prophet himself, who used to repeat this or that formula so and so many times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Algorithms providing sensitivities (gradients, Jacobians) and perturbation estimates obtained by a single simulation experiment are described in detail and explained by examples.

Journal of Computational Physics

The intercepts identifier number is generated based on globe feature distribution, which we will explain by an example next.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The authors propose, and explain by an example, correlating the experimentally obtained emittance spectra of ash deposits with a continuous curve, the formula of which defines the dependence of emittance on wavelength and temperature, i.e. ε = ε.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain by example", ensure the example is directly relevant and easily understood by your audience. A clear connection between the explanation and the example is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using highly technical or convoluted examples when trying to "explain by example". The example should simplify, not complicate, the concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain by example" functions as a meta-discourse marker, signaling the intent to clarify a concept through a specific illustration. It sets an expectation for the reader or listener that an example will follow, making the explanation more accessible. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain by example" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to clarify concepts through specific instances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly suitable for written English. It’s common across scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. To use it effectively, always ensure your examples are clear, relevant, and simplify rather than complicate the concept you’re explaining. While versatile, avoid overly complex examples or using the phrase when the concept is already easily understood. Alternatives include phrases like "illustrate with an example" or "demonstrate by way of example".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illustrate with an example

Focuses on the act of illustration, rather than explanation.

clarify using an instance

Emphasizes clarification through a particular case.

demonstrate by way of example

Highlights the demonstration aspect, using an example as the method.

exemplify to explain

Reverses the order, putting the example first and the explanation second.

elucidate with a case

Uses a more formal term, 'elucidate', to mean 'make clear'.

show by instance

Simplifies the wording to 'show' instead of 'explain'.

explain through illustration

Uses 'illustration' as a broader term for examples.

break down with an example

Implies simplifying a complex topic through an example.

detail using a scenario

Uses 'scenario' which implies a hypothetical situation.

describe via a specific case

Focuses on a 'specific case' to provide detail.

FAQs

How can I use "explain by example" effectively in writing?

To effectively use "explain by example", first introduce the concept you wish to clarify, then state that you will illustrate it with an example. Ensure your example is straightforward and directly relevant to the concept.

What are some alternatives to "explain by example"?

You can use alternatives like "illustrate with an example", "clarify using an instance", or "demonstrate by way of example" depending on the context.

Is it better to "explain by example" or "explain in detail"?

Whether to "explain by example" or "explain in detail" depends on your audience and the complexity of the topic. "Explain by example" is useful for simplifying complex topics, while "explain in detail" provides a thorough understanding.

When should I avoid using "explain by example"?

Avoid using "explain by example" when the concept is already straightforward, or when a detailed explanation is necessary to cover all nuances. Also, avoid it if you can't find an appropriate and clear example.