making an example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making an example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to punishing someone to serve as a warning to others. Example: "The manager decided to make an example of the employee who consistently arrived late, hoping it would encourage punctuality among the rest of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we making an example of Cherry Hill?

The New York Times

It's making an example of someone who's prominent".

The New York Times

The team's players believe state and university officials are making an example of them.

The New York Times - Sports

"But they are making an example of him and it is not right".

The Guardian

The charge seemed to be aimed at making an example of a hot-headed agent.

The New York Times

The regime is clearly set on making an example of her.

The Washington Post

And if it remains obstinate, some would see advantage in making an example of the Cypriots.

The Economist

Making an example of them will hopefully serve as a deterrent for other smugglers," Shepherd told mongabay.com.com

The Guardian

But then, making an example of a good parent doesn't seem just either and would surely breed deep resentment?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I wish to stress, however, that this is not a case of making an example of you alone.

The Guardian

"I don't understand them making an example of me or why are they trying to punish me," Yashin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making an example of", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action is intended to deter others from similar behavior. Clarity is key to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "making an example of" when the intention is simply to punish an individual without a broader cautionary purpose. Ensure the action serves as a deterrent to others, not just a consequence for the individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an example of" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It typically describes the act of punishing someone severely as a warning to others. Ludwig examples confirm its use in conveying deterrence and caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making an example of" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe punishing someone severely as a warning to others. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media, academic discussions, and formal business contexts, with a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates deterrence, rather than merely punishment. Consider alternatives such as "setting an example" or "imposing a deterrent" to better suit the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

punishing as a warning

Emphasizes the punitive aspect and its purpose to caution others.

meting out justice as a warning

Emphasizes the element of fairness and its aim to discourage potential wrongdoers.

setting an example

Focuses on the act of providing a model, which may or may not involve punishment.

teaching a lesson through punishment

Highlights the educational aspect of the punishment.

using as a deterrent

Highlights the intention to prevent future similar actions by others.

imposing a deterrent

Focuses on the action of implementing something to discourage actions.

inflicting punishment as a lesson

Stresses the act of delivering a penalty with the intent to educate.

singling out for punishment

Focuses on the act of choosing one individual to receive a penalty.

demonstrating consequences

Highlights the act of clarifying the results or effects of actions.

offering as a cautionary tale

Presents the situation as a narrative intended to impart a lesson.

FAQs

How can I use "making an example of" in a sentence?

You can use "making an example of" to describe a situation where someone is punished severely to deter others from doing the same thing. For instance, "The judge decided to make an example of the corrupt official to discourage others from engaging in similar activities."

What's a more formal way to say "making an example of"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "setting a precedent" or "imposing a deterrent". These options sound less colloquial and more appropriate for professional or academic writing.

Is "making an example of" always negative?

While "making an example of" often implies punishment or negative consequences, it can also be used in a positive context to describe highlighting someone's success to inspire others. However, this usage is less common. It's important to ensure that the context is clear.

What's the difference between "making an example of" and "setting an example"?

"Making an example of" typically involves a negative action (punishment) intended to deter others, while "setting an example" can be positive, showing others how to behave correctly. The former is about deterrence through fear; the latter is about inspiration through positive role modeling.