give an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "give an example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to provide an example to explain something. Make an example to illustrate your point.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Could he give an example?

The New York Times

Let me give an example.

The New York Times

I'll give an example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then give an example or two hundredd).

The New York Times

Can you give an example?

Stanford University

Can she give an example?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He gave an example.

The New York Times - Magazine

She gives an example.

The New York Times

Mr. Costolo gives an example.

The New York Times

He gives an example.

The Guardian - Film

They gave an example.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give an example", ensure the example clearly supports and clarifies the point you're making. A weak or irrelevant example can confuse your audience.

Common error

Avoid using examples that are too general or don't provide specific details. A strong example should be concrete and easily understood, not another abstract concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give an example" functions as an imperative, prompting someone to provide a specific instance to illustrate a point or clarify a statement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

41%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give an example" is a ubiquitous and grammatically sound imperative used to request clarification or substantiation through specific instances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase across diverse contexts, particularly in academia, news, and science. While broadly applicable, choosing relevant and concrete examples is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "provide an instance" or "illustrate with a case" offer more formal options, but the directness of "give an example" makes it a versatile choice for various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an instance

This is more formal and highlights a single occurrence.

illustrate with a case

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a specific instance.

offer a demonstration

This is more formal and suggests a controlled presentation.

cite a case in point

This implies a well-known or relevant example.

show a sample

This suggests a representative item from a larger set.

present a situation

This focuses on describing an event or circumstance as an example.

use a scenario

This implies a hypothetical situation.

share an anecdote

This offers a brief, often personal story as an example.

outline a precedent

This suggests a previous legal or procedural example.

supply a clarification

This alternative is more explicit and directs to explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "give an example" when you want someone to provide a specific instance to clarify a point. For instance, you could ask, "Can you "give an example" of a time when you used critical thinking to solve a problem?"

What is a more formal alternative to "give an example"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "provide an instance", "offer a demonstration", or "illustrate with a case". These options are suitable for academic or professional settings.

How do I choose a good example to "give"?

A good example should be relevant, specific, and easily understood by your audience. It should clearly illustrate the point you are trying to make and provide concrete details rather than abstract concepts.

What's the difference between ""give an example"" and "explain further"?

"Give an example" asks for a specific instance to clarify a general statement, while "explain further" requests a more detailed explanation of the same concept without necessarily involving a specific instance.