give you an example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give you an example of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to illustrate a point or clarify something by providing a specific instance or case. Example: "To clarify my point, let me give you an example of how this theory applies in real life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But let me give you an example of the ideal.

The New York Times - Arts

I'll give you an example of who would be.

The Guardian

Let me give you an example of how it works.

The New York Times - Health

Let me give you an example of what I'm talking about.

The New York Times

Let me give you an example of something I was reading just before this interview.

The Guardian

Let me give you an example of one of those stories..

The Guardian

I'll give you an example of how exercising control does not always lead to success.

The Guardian

But I want to give you an example of whiteness in this space.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Let me give you an example of what is on the tape.

The New York Times

Some people get great wisdom from their grandmothers, but I'll give you an example of mine.

The New York Times

But let me give you an example of the effect of looting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give you an example of", ensure the example directly and clearly supports the point you are making. Avoid examples that are tangential or require significant explanation to connect to the main argument.

Common error

Avoid providing examples that are too broad or lack specific details. A strong example should be concise, relevant, and easy to understand without additional context. Be explicit with your link between claim and instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give you an example of" functions as an introductory phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is used to signal that the speaker or writer is about to provide a specific instance to illustrate a general point or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give you an example of" is a very common and grammatically correct way to introduce an illustrative instance, according to Ludwig AI. It serves the purpose of clarifying concepts across various contexts but is most prevalent in news and media. While appropriate for many situations, it maintains a neutral register. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "provide an illustration of". Remember to keep examples clear and concise to effectively support your point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an illustration of

More formal and emphasizes the act of illustrating.

present a specific instance of

More formal and highlights the specificity of the example.

offer a demonstration of

Suggests a more active and visual presentation of the example.

detail a concrete example of

Focuses on the tangible and specific nature of the example.

cite a case in point

More concise and emphasizes the relevance of the example.

outline an example of

Suggests a structured and organized presentation of the example.

share an instance of

More informal and emphasizes the act of sharing personal experience.

relate an experience that shows

Implies a narrative approach, emphasizing the experience.

walk you through a scenario

Offers a detailed and step-by-step illustration.

offer some insight

Less direct, focusing on providing understanding rather than a specific example.

FAQs

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

You can use "give you an example of" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a point. For example, "To show how this works, let me give you an example of a successful implementation."

What are some alternatives to "give you an example of"?

You can use alternatives like "provide an illustration of", "offer a demonstration of", or "cite a case in point" to introduce an example.

Is it better to say "give you an example of" or "provide an example of"?

"Give you an example of" is more conversational, while "provide an example of" is more formal. The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

When should I avoid using "give you an example of"?

Avoid using "give you an example of" in highly formal writing where a more sophisticated phrasing, such as "to illustrate this point" or "for instance", might be more appropriate.