gave an example

USAGE SUMMARY

"gave an example" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to provide a specific instance or case as an illustration or explanation. You can use this phrase to add more clarity or support to your writing, especially when explaining a complex concept or idea. For example, "To better understand the concept of gravity, let's consider this scenario: if you drop a ball from a height, it will fall to the ground. This simple experiment gives an example of how gravity works." To make an example: "To show the importance of time management, let's make an example of two students with the same workload but different approaches. Student A prioritizes their tasks and schedules breaks, while Student B procrastinates and struggles to complete their tasks on time. This example highlights the difference that good time management can make in academic success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It gave an example of revenge and compromise.

The Guardian

He gave an example.

The New York Times - Magazine

They gave an example.

The New York Times

JP gave an example.

The Guardian

She gave an example.

The New York Times

Mr. Whitmire gave an example.

The New York Times

Dr. Melton gave an example.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Aqianbu matter-of-factly gave an example.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

She gave an example of one gentleman who answered every question with his favorite flavor.

The New York Times

He gave an example involving Mr. Obama, then was asked about Mr. McCain.

The New York Times

And Osgood [6] already gave an example with boundary having positive (2-dimensional) measure.

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave an example", ensure the example is relevant and clearly supports the point you are making. A strong example enhances understanding and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using examples that are too general or lack specific details. An unclear example can confuse the reader and weaken your argument. Make sure your example is concrete and well-explained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave an example" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the action of providing a specific instance or case to illustrate or explain something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to add clarity and support to writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gave an example" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a specific instance for illustration. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves to clarify and support writing across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When incorporating this phrase, ensure the example is clear, relevant, and adds value to the explanation. Consider alternatives like "provided an illustration" or "offered a demonstration" for variety. Always avoid vague or unclear examples that could confuse the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided an illustration

Emphasizes the illustrative nature of the example.

offered a demonstration

Highlights the act of showing how something works through an example.

cited an instance

Focuses on mentioning a specific occurrence as an example.

presented a case

Implies a more formal or structured example, often used in arguments.

illustrated with a scenario

Stresses the use of a hypothetical situation to clarify a point.

detailed a specific occurrence

Highlights the detailed explanation of a real situation.

quoted a relevant excerpt

Focuses on using a direct quote as an example.

furnished an analogy

Emphasizes the use of comparison to explain something.

shared a representative anecdote

Highlights the use of a brief, revealing story.

recounted a parallel situation

Focuses on relating a similar event for comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "gave an example" in a sentence?

You can use "gave an example" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a point. For example, "The professor "gave an example" to clarify the concept of quantum entanglement".

What are some alternatives to "gave an example"?

You can use alternatives like "provided an illustration", "offered a demonstration", or "cited an instance" to vary your writing.

Is it better to say "gave an example" or "provided an example"?

Both "gave an example" and "provided an example" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "gave an example" and "offered an explanation"?

"Gave an example" introduces a specific instance to illustrate a point, while "offered an explanation" provides a detailed account or reason for something. They serve different purposes in clarifying information.