leading by example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'leading by example' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who sets a good example for others to follow. For example, "The CEO is leading by example and motivating his team to work hard and stay focused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's leading by example.

The Washington Post

Now, that's leading by example.

The New York Times

He's been leading by example".

The New York Times

Mr. Henderson is leading by example.

The New York Times

"They should be leading by example".

The Guardian - Business

"It's about everybody leading by example".

The Guardian

I believe strongly in leading by example.

The New York Times

Usually, they have advised leading by example.

The New York Times

Consider the idea of leading by example.

The New York Times

"We should be leading by example".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's the leadership leading by example.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading by example" to emphasize the importance of actions over words when influencing or guiding others. It's particularly effective when discussing leadership, parenting, or cultural change.

Common error

Avoid merely stating values or goals; instead, actively demonstrate them in your own behavior. "Leading by example" requires consistent action, not just verbal support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading by example" functions as a noun phrase or gerund phrase that describes a method of influence or leadership. It emphasizes the importance of demonstrating desired behaviors to inspire others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading by example" is a well-established and widely accepted method of influencing others through one's own actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. Alternative phrases like "setting a good example" and "walking the talk" offer similar meanings, while avoiding the common error of merely advocating values without actively demonstrating them is crucial. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. To reinforce this concept effectively, remember that true "leading by example" requires consistent action and visible commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting a good example

Focuses on the act of establishing a positive standard for others.

walking the talk

Emphasizes aligning words with actions to demonstrate sincerity.

practicing what you preach

Highlights the importance of adhering to the principles one advocates.

setting the pace

Suggests initiating a standard of excellence or performance.

showing the way

Implies guiding others through one's own actions and experiences.

being a role model

Highlights serving as an individual whose behavior is emulated by others.

embodying the values

Stresses demonstrating organizational or personal values in daily actions.

demonstrating leadership

Focuses on the visible actions and behaviors that define effective leadership.

taking the initiative

Implies proactively undertaking actions that inspire others to follow.

setting a precedent

Highlights establishing a standard for future actions or decisions.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "leading by example" in a sentence?

Use "leading by example" to illustrate how someone's actions influence others, like: "The manager is "leading by example" by arriving early and working diligently."

What's a good alternative to "leading by example"?

Consider using "setting a good example", "walking the talk", or "practicing what you preach" as alternatives depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "leading by good example"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "good" to "leading by example" can be redundant. The phrase inherently implies a positive example. Opt for "leading by example" alone for conciseness.

How does "leading by example" differ from simply 'giving instructions'?

"Leading by example" involves demonstrating the desired behavior, while giving instructions only involves telling others what to do. The former is more influential because it combines direction with visible action, as opposed to verbal guidance alone.