foundational example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundational example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or essential instance that serves as a basis for understanding a concept or idea. Example: "The theory of evolution is a foundational example in the study of biology, illustrating how species adapt over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Early spectroscopic and biochemical characterization of the Fe S clusters of MoaA has served as a foundational example in understanding the role of multiple Fe S clusters in radical SAM enzymology.

Chemical Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To get a sense for what niggle is and how snugly Dellavedova fits into its rich and beautiful history, it's important to look to the foundational examples.

The Guardian - Sport

The solutions are out there as worthy foundational examples on which to model new options across the media economy.

TechCrunch

Indeed, many of our foundational examples of unintended consequences arising from our use of synthetic organic chemicals like pesticides (e.g., DDT) or dielectric fluids (e.g., PCBs) result because we did not accurately define the relationship between their release, environmental persistence, and potential effects on exposed organisms until it was too late.

Environmental Science & Technology

An example of reference ontology in biomedical informatics is the Foundational Model of Anatomy (FMA), an ontology of anatomy that covers the entire range of macroscopic, microscopic, and subcellular anatomy.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

For example, the components and parts of organisms are described in anatomy ontologies such as the Foundational Model of Anatomy (FMA; Rosse and Mejino, 2003) or the cellular component branch of the Gene Ontology (GO; Ashburner et al., 2000).

Bioinformatics

Examples are Pisanelli (1998) and Schulz (2001) for the UMLS; Beck (2003), Dameron (2005) and Golbreich (2006) for the Foundational Model of Anatomy; Wroe (2003) and Egana (2008) for the GO and Heja (2007) for ICD-10.

Bioinformatics

I will recall the most important examples of these equations; discuss foundational results and examples; and finally mention a number of questions.

Duke University

In the most obvious example, foundational research in quantum physics had been like that for the last 80 years.

Biology Direct

This review presents a synthesis of the state of knowledge and consensus trends regarding the various cis-acting and trans-acting components that define spatio-temporal regulation of rice genes based on representative examples from both foundational studies in other model and non-model plants, and more recent studies in rice.

Rice

His example is foundational to personal engagement and greater career success.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foundational example", ensure the example genuinely underpins a broader concept or theory. Provide enough context to illustrate its fundamental role.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational example" for illustrations that are merely helpful or illustrative, rather than genuinely essential to understanding the core concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational example" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "foundational" modifies the noun "example". It describes an instance that serves as an essential base or starting point for understanding a concept, much as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foundational example" is used to describe a key instance that is fundamental to understanding a concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently used in scientific, news and academic contexts. Alternatives include "key illustration" or "fundamental case". When using "foundational example", be sure that the instance truly serves as an essential basis, rather than just a helpful illustration. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it is more common in professional and academic contexts. It's important to emphasize that this is what emerges based on this analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key illustration

Stresses the importance and relevance of the example.

fundamental case

Emphasizes the essential and underlying nature of the example.

basic illustration

Focuses on the simplicity and ease of understanding of the example.

primary instance

Highlights the initial or most important occurrence.

essential model

Highlights that example constitutes an indispensable pattern.

representative example

The example is the most typical in its kind.

classic instance

Stresses that the example represents an established pattern.

cornerstone example

Highlights that example is the basis or starting point.

founding instance

Highlights that example is the basis or starting point.

benchmark example

Highlights that example is a point of reference.

FAQs

How can I use "foundational example" in a sentence?

Use "foundational example" to refer to an instance that serves as a key basis for understanding a subject. For instance, "The theory of evolution is a "foundational example" in understanding biological adaptation".

What are some alternatives to "foundational example"?

You could use alternatives such as "key illustration", "fundamental case", or "basic illustration" depending on the context.

Is "foundational example" formal or informal?

The phrase "foundational example" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more frequently seen in academic and professional writing.

What makes an example "foundational"?

A "foundational example" is one that is so core to the understanding of a concept that the concept cannot be fully grasped without it. It establishes a fundamental understanding.