make a good example

USAGE SUMMARY

'make an example' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to suggest or recommend that someone use something as an example for their own reference or instruction. For example, you might say "I'd like you to make an example of this problem, so you understand it better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Biofuels make a good example.

The Guardian

Golf balls make a good example.

The Guardian

This case itself would make a good example of the difficulty of a federal district court trial.

Cornell University

Make a good example of yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Edward A. Stolzenberg makes a good example.

The New York Times

I.B.M. itself makes a good example.

The New York Times

Once again, the Prisoner's Dilemma makes a good example.

SEP

This protease target therefore makes a good example to explore global R&D activities.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Talent Neuron makes a good example of how to incubate an idea using existing knowledge within a company.

TechCrunch

Mr Treglown makes a good case, for example, for rehabilitating Eugenio d'Ors, the man who oversaw art in the Francoist provisional government.

The Economist

Make a good, proactive example for your children in your own life together of how to live well.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a good example", ensure the context clearly establishes what qualities make the example 'good'. Be specific about the intended positive outcome or lesson.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "making a good example" without explaining why it's a good example. Provide sufficient context or details to support the assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a good example" functions as a verb phrase where "make" is the verb, "good" is an adjective, and "example" is a noun. The phrase as a whole suggests the creation or highlighting of a positive and instructive instance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to recommend that someone use something as a reference or instruction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a good example" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that suggests the creation or highlighting of a positive, instructive instance. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often used to recommend something as a reference or guide. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. To use it effectively, ensure you clearly specify what qualities make the example "good" and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "set a positive precedent" or "demonstrate best practice" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a positive precedent

Focuses on the act of setting a standard to be followed, emphasizing the positivity of the action.

provide a valuable illustration

Highlights the illustrative aspect of the example, stressing its usefulness and clarity.

offer a compelling instance

Emphasizes the convincing and persuasive nature of the example being presented.

create a model for

Suggests establishing something as a standard or pattern for others to emulate.

demonstrate best practice

Highlights the aspect of showing the most effective and efficient way of doing something.

give a telling demonstration

Emphasizes the revealing or significant nature of the demonstration.

furnish an instructive case

Focuses on supplying a specific instance that provides knowledge or lessons.

establish a benchmark

Implies setting a standard against which others can be measured.

present a textbook case

Suggests the example is a perfect or ideal illustration of a concept.

offer an exemplary demonstration

Highlights the high quality and excellence of the demonstration.

FAQs

How can I use "make a good example" in a sentence?

You can use "make a good example" to suggest someone or something serves as a positive and instructive case. For instance, "The company's sustainability initiatives make a good example for others in the industry to follow."

What does it mean to "make an example" of someone?

To "make an example" of someone typically refers to punishing them severely as a warning to others, which is different from the positive connotation of "make a good example".

What are some alternatives to "make a good example"?

Alternatives include "set a positive precedent", "provide a valuable illustration", or "demonstrate best practice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "set a good example" or "make a good example"?

"Set a good example" usually refers to behaving in a way that others should emulate, whereas "make a good example" suggests creating or highlighting something that serves as an instructive instance. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.