gives the example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gives the example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an example that further explains or illustrates a point that you are making. For example, "This exercise will help you understand the concept. To illustrate, it gives the example of a cake that is divided into six equal pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

McGowan gives the example of climate change.

The Guardian

He gives the example of Greater Manchester.

The Guardian

Fiske gives the example of a dinner party.

The New Yorker

Ms. Guerrero also gives the example of Nepal.

The New York Times

Rigal gives the example in the diagramed deal.

The New York Times

Professor Forni gives the example of the pregnant woman.

The New York Times

She also gives the example of J Crew, Michelle Obama's favourite brand.

The Guardian

Spector gives the example of the incorrect spelling of "Barack" when President Obama shot to prominence.

The Guardian

The Treasury gives the example of someone who saves £200 a month.

The Guardian - Money

He gives the example of a high-rise hospital that uses a lot of energy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I always give the example of Muhammad Ali.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gives the example" to introduce concrete illustrations that support your arguments or explanations, enhancing clarity and reader understanding.

Common error

Avoid generic or weak examples when using "gives the example". Instead, choose specific, relevant instances that directly and strongly support your point, enhancing the impact and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives the example" functions as a transitive verb phrase introducing an illustration to clarify or support a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to provide context through specific instances. This helps the reader understand the concept being presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gives the example" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an illustrative instance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile, fitting in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "provides an illustration" might be preferred in highly formal settings. Its primary function is to enhance clarity by grounding abstract concepts in specific, relatable scenarios. While commonly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it's important to use relevant, strong examples to effectively support your points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides an illustration

Replaces 'gives' with 'provides' and 'example' with 'illustration', offering a slightly more formal tone.

offers an instance

Substitutes 'gives the example' with 'offers an instance', which is more concise and emphasizes a specific occurrence.

cites a case

Replaces 'gives the example' with 'cites a case', implying a reference to a documented situation.

illustrates with

Uses a verb-preposition structure to show that something is made clear and more understandable with an example.

demonstrates by

Shows how something works or how something happens with a clear explanation.

supplies a scenario

Presents a hypothetical situation, which may or may not be realistic to help explain something.

presents a demonstration

Offers a procedure or experiment that proves something is true.

mentions a situation

Briefly indicates a particular context, differing from providing a detailed example.

refers to a specific case

Highlights a particular instance, emphasizing its specificity over a general example.

details a scenario

Provides a full description of a possible chain of events or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "gives the example" in a sentence?

You can use "gives the example" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader point. For example: "The author explains the concept of cognitive bias and then "gives the example" of confirmation bias to clarify how it works".

What are some alternatives to "gives the example"?

Alternatives include "provides an illustration", "offers an instance", or "cites a case", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "gives the example" in formal writing?

Yes, "gives the example" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, for academic or highly professional contexts, alternatives like "provides an illustration" or "cites a case" might be preferred for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "gives the example" and "demonstrates"?

"Gives the example" introduces a specific instance to clarify a point, while "demonstrates" implies showing how something works or is true through evidence or action. For example: "The study "gives the example" of a placebo effect" vs. "The experiment "demonstrates the effectiveness" of the new drug".