let me borrow an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let me borrow an example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request an illustration or instance to clarify a point or argument. Example: "To better explain my point about teamwork, let me borrow an example from a successful project we completed last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Let me borrow an example from Greenland [ 48]: Suppose one is interested in how the number of years lived after the age of 50 (T) is affected by whether smokers died of cancer (Y = 1) or not (Y = 0).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Luckily, a worker at the hostel let me borrow an adapter another guest had left behind.

The New York Times - Travel

To answer, let me borrow a thought from a great literary figure: work is redemptive.

The Guardian - Opinion

She lets me borrow a striped sweater.

The New York Times

Borrower: "Hey let me borrow your phone".

WikiHow

Someone in Seattle want to take me to a game and let me borrow your DS?

TechCrunch

They had an old kokle they let me borrow.

The New Yorker

Once a week, she'd let me borrow her old Beetle to drive over to Detroit to see my shrink, Dr. Moloney.

The New Yorker

"Casey never let me borrow her clothes," Jaime said.

The New York Times

My professor let me borrow his suit".

The New Yorker

So who wants to let me borrow their puppy?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let me borrow an example" when you want to introduce an already established or well-known case to support your argument, implying you're referencing something familiar to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "let me borrow an example" when you are creating a new example on the spot. 'Borrow' suggests taking something pre-existing, not inventing something new.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me borrow an example" functions as an introductory expression used to preface the provision of an illustrative instance. It signals to the audience that an example is about to be presented to clarify or support a point. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let me borrow an example" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, employed to introduce an illustrative instance that supports an argument. It serves to clarify or provide concrete support. The phrase has a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. Although not extremely common, the phrase is valid and understood. It's advisable to use this expression when referring to a well-known example, ensuring it resonates with the audience. Alternatives such as "allow me to use an example" can provide a more formal tone if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow me to use an example

Simply swaps 'borrow' with 'use', keeping the structure intact.

let me provide an illustration

Swaps 'borrow' with 'provide', which highlights the act of supplying the example.

allow me to cite an instance

Replaces 'borrow' with 'cite' and 'example' with 'instance', focusing on formal citation.

may I illustrate with an instance

Replaces 'let' with 'may' and 'example' with 'instance', suggesting a more polite inquiry.

permit me to offer an illustration

Uses 'permit' instead of 'let', and 'illustration' for 'example', increasing formality.

can I share a case in point

Substitutes 'borrow' with 'share' and 'example' with 'case in point', indicating a specific situation.

if I may, I'd like to present an example

Adds a conditional tone ('if I may') and replaces 'borrow' with 'present', softening the request.

permit me to draw upon an instance

Uses 'draw upon' to suggest using an existing example, adding a sense of resourcefulness.

can I give a demonstration

Replaces 'borrow an example' with 'give a demonstration', changing from abstract to concrete.

if you'll indulge me, an example

Adds a touch of humility and polite request for attention before providing the example.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "let me borrow an example" for a formal setting?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "allow me to use an example" or "permit me to offer an illustration" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a simpler way to say "let me borrow an example"?

A simpler alternative is "let me give an example", which is straightforward and widely understood.

Is it grammatically correct to say "let me borrow of an example"?

No, the correct phrasing is "let me borrow an example". The preposition 'of' is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

When is it appropriate to use "let me borrow an example" instead of "let me give an example"?

"Let me borrow an example" implies you are referencing a pre-existing or widely known example, while "let me give an example" is more general and can refer to a newly created or less common example.