held as an example

USAGE SUMMARY

'held as an example' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to someone or something that should be regarded as exemplary, usually for other people to learn from. For example, "He was held as an example by other students for his intelligence and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Sri Lanka can hardly be held as an example of that, these days.But India's decision to keep Mr Singh away also looks to be a mistake, in foreign policy terms.

The Economist

Bali, a tropical island in Indonesia where the rich volcanic soil produces an abundance of food and materials for fabrics and building, is held as an example.

Huffington Post

He has been held as an example of the recurring character categories of "The Kickass Quiet Guy" by 1UP.com and "The Brooding Pretty Boy" by GamesRadar.

Wikipedia

"It's tough... especially if you're just a child". This kingdom in northwest Africa was long held as an example of Jewish-Muslim coexistence, a sign of hope that peace was possible between Israelis and Palestinians.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Over the past two decades, Australia has been held as a golden example when it comes to countries that take gun control seriously.

Vice

But if it doesn't give authority then this might be held up as an example of why you don't go to Congress.

The Washington Post

Questions are also being raised about the current state of the Canadian economy, hitherto held up as an example of how to withstand a global financial crisis.

BBC

The Netherlands, where pension assets make up 134% of GDP, is usually held up as an example.

The Guardian - Business

Once their organisation was held up as an example, now they seem to have been overtaken by the progress made by other Brazilian clubs.

BBC

The next evening, Newsnight invites Jody Mcintyre and Sami Chakrabarti on to defend the events and it's all held up as an example of a nation divided.

Vice

The next evening, Newsnight invites Jody McIntyre on to defend the events and it's all held up as an example of a nation divided.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held as an example", ensure the subject truly embodies the qualities you wish to highlight, as the phrase implies a high standard of excellence and can influence perceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "held as an example" for subjects with known flaws or controversies. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility if the example isn't genuinely outstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held as an example" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject is regarded or presented as a model for others to emulate or follow. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held as an example" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe something or someone considered a model for emulation. It is most frequently found in news, wiki and academic contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness, while advising that alternatives may exist to express the concept in slightly different ways, such as ""regarded as a model"" or ""deemed an exemplar"". While the phrase is valid, it's essential to ensure the subject is indeed exemplary to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deemed an exemplar

Synonymous replacement, uses a slightly more formal word.

regarded as a model

Replaces 'held' with 'regarded', emphasizing the perception of something as exemplary.

considered a benchmark

Uses 'benchmark' to highlight that something is a standard for comparison.

seen as a prime illustration

Emphasizes that something is a leading instance or demonstration of a concept.

portrayed as a shining instance

Focuses on the positive and exemplary nature of something.

presented as a case in point

Highlights that something is being offered as a specific and relevant instance.

touted as an ideal

Indicates that something is promoted or praised as a perfect example.

showcased as a success story

Implies that something is being highlighted for its positive outcome.

used as a template

Suggests that something serves as a pattern or guide for others to follow.

put forward as a paradigm

Uses 'paradigm' to indicate something is a clear and typical example.

FAQs

What does "held as an example" mean?

The phrase "held as an example" means that someone or something is considered a good model or standard for others to follow or emulate.

How can I use "held as an example" in a sentence?

You can use "held as an example" to showcase positive attributes or behaviors. For example, "Her dedication to her community was "held as an example" for young leaders."

What are some alternatives to "held as an example"?

Alternatives include "regarded as a model", "considered a benchmark", or "deemed an exemplar". These phrases convey a similar meaning of something being seen as a standard of excellence.

Is it better to say "held as an example" or "held up as an example"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "held up as an example" is more common. While "held as an example" is understandable, the inclusion of "up" often provides a slightly stronger sense of elevation or promotion.