mean examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mean examples" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to examples that illustrate unkind or harsh behavior. For example: "The teacher provided mean examples of bullying to highlight the issue." Alternative expressions include "cruel examples," "harsh examples," and "unkind examples."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Use of the term "reproducible" (Calabrese et al. 1999) as a characteristic of hormesis is equally ambiguous; these authors took the term to mean examples of hormetic responses for similar substances or classes across studies, whatever the frequency.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I mean, for example, when the G.A.O.

The New York Times

That might mean, for example, improving the country's infrastructure.

The Guardian - Business

That means setting examples of excellence in our own lives.

The New York Times

The distinction is easily illustrated by means of examples.

Britannica

"Impact" is a good (by which I mean bad) example.

The Guardian - Books

"It would mean, for example, an end to relegation.

The Guardian - Sport

Some results and comparison are provided by means of examples.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

Does it mean, for example, that causes follow effects?

The Economist

I mean, for example, my limo wasn't there today at ten to six.

The New Yorker

What does it mean, for example, for a professional soldier not to kill?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mean examples" to highlight the negative implications and impact of the situations or behaviors being exemplified.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "mean examples" in formal academic or professional writing where a more neutral term like "negative examples" or "illustrative cases of poor behavior" might be more appropriate. Reserve "mean examples" for contexts where emphasizing the unkind nature is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mean examples" functions as a noun phrase where "mean" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "examples". It specifies the type of examples being referred to, indicating that they are characterized by unkindness or maliciousness. Ludwig's response confirms its usability, albeit with potential register considerations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mean examples" is a grammatically correct way to refer to instances that demonstrate unkind or malicious behavior. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it is relatively uncommon and may not be appropriate for all contexts. As an expert linguistic analyzer and SEO content generator, it is advised that, when writing or speaking, you should think about register (formal or informal) and if it fits the context. Alternative phrases such as "cruel instances" or "unkind illustrations" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. It's essential to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing by considering the specific message you aim to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cruel instances

Replaces "mean" with a synonym emphasizing the cruelty of the examples.

unkind illustrations

Substitutes "mean" with "unkind" to soften the negative connotation, while "illustrations" replaces "examples".

harsh demonstrations

Uses "harsh" to describe the severity of the examples, with "demonstrations" in place of "examples".

callous instances

Replaces "mean" with "callous", highlighting a lack of empathy in the examples.

vindictive displays

Emphasizes the vengeful nature of the examples by using "vindictive" and "displays".

malicious cases

Focuses on the intent behind the examples, describing them as malicious.

hurtful situations

Shifts the focus to the effect of the examples, describing them as hurtful.

bullying tactics

Implies that the examples are instances of bullying behavior.

severe instances

Highlights the intensity of the examples, describing them as severe.

offensive exhibits

Focuses on the provocative and disagreeable aspect of the examples, using "offensive" and "exhibits".

FAQs

What does "mean examples" refer to?

The term "mean examples" refers to instances or illustrations that demonstrate unkind, harsh, or deliberately offensive behavior or situations. The adjective "mean" here emphasizes the malicious or hurtful nature of the examples being presented.

What can I say instead of "mean examples"?

You can use alternatives like "cruel instances", "harsh demonstrations", or "unkind illustrations" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "mean examples" in a sentence?

You might use "mean examples" like this: "The teacher provided "mean examples" of bullying to highlight the issue."

Is "mean examples" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "mean examples" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "negative examples" or "illustrative cases of poor behavior" in academic or professional settings.