primary example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary example" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the most important or significant example within a larger group or category. Example: In order to support her argument, the author provides a primary example of a successful company that has implemented environmentally friendly practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The organisation highlights social care as a primary example of misguided thinking on the part of central government by not allocating extra digital funds.

The Guardian

Tharp's primary example of a successful creative life is her own, and the book provides a window into the mind of this talented dancer and choreographer.

The New York Times

He named Robertson Davies as a primary example, and added praise for Salman Rushdie, Michael Ondaatje, Günter Grass and Gabriel García Márquez.

The New York Times - Books

California, where the taxi regulator adopted new rules for ride-sharers last year, is the "primary example".

The Economist

A primary example was "Swanee," which she plucked out of its usual niche as an Al Jolson-Judy Garland vaudeville turn and treated as a rip-roaring swing celebration of the South.

The New York Times - Arts

Some analysts have been skeptical of Disney's ability to compete because a handful of smaller companies — Club Penguin being a primary example — have been able to figure out better ways to captivate children online.

The New York Times

But, according to insiders and analysts, WorldCom stands out as a primary example of how badly run companies can appear invulnerable, as long as the value of their stocks stay lofty.

The New York Times

Though she draws on a wealth of effective idiosyncrasy -- the odd strategies of business executives, composers, painters, novelists and friends like the photographer Richard Avedon and the children's book illustrator Maurice Sendak -- Tharp's primary example of a successful creative life is her own.

The New York Times - Books

But the primary example is the shooting during an anti-police-brutality rally in Dallas last year, when Micah Xavier Johnson, a twenty-five-year-old Army veteran who harbored resentment toward whites, in general, and toward white law-enforcement officials, in particular, killed five policemen and wounded seven more, before he himself was killed.

The New Yorker

The primary example is the human genome and genomic sequencing.

TechCrunch

Consider the automatic teller machine as a primary example.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Strengthen your argument by thoroughly explaining why the "primary example" is the most fitting one, highlighting its key characteristics and relevance to your overall thesis.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is the "primary example" without clearly articulating why. Provide specific reasons and evidence to justify its selection over other potential examples. This adds credibility to your argument and prevents the phrase from becoming a mere filler.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary example" functions as a noun phrase that serves to introduce a specific instance used to illustrate or support a broader point or argument. It signals that the following example is particularly relevant or important, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “primary example” is a versatile and frequently used expression to highlight a key illustration or supporting case in writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and formal business communication. To enhance clarity and impact, ensure the selected “primary example” is indeed the most relevant and clearly articulated. By considering alternatives like "prime example" and avoiding redundant phrasing, you can effectively strengthen your arguments and enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prime example

This alternative swaps "primary" for "prime", keeping the meaning almost identical but with a slightly different nuance.

key example

This alternative highlights the importance of the example, emphasizing its significance.

main instance

This phrase replaces "example" with "instance", and "primary" with "main", offering a slightly more formal tone.

chief illustration

Uses "chief" instead of "primary" and "illustration" instead of "example" for a more descriptive tone.

foremost case

Emphasizes the leading nature of the example using "foremost" instead of "primary" and "case" instead of "example".

leading instance

Replaces "primary" with "leading", focusing on the prominent aspect of the example.

central illustration

This option focuses on the core nature of the example, using "central" to highlight its importance.

typical instance

This suggests that the example is representative and common, differing slightly from focusing on its importance.

notable case

This alternative uses "notable" to emphasize that the example is worthy of attention or recognition.

essential demonstration

This phrase replaces "example" with "demonstration", and "primary" with "essential", implying that it is a key or necessary display of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "primary example" in a sentence?

Use "primary example" to introduce the most important or illustrative case that supports your argument or explanation. Follow it with specific details that clearly demonstrate its relevance.

What are some alternatives to using "primary example"?

You can use alternatives like "prime example", "key example", or "main instance" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the most primary example"?

Yes, using "the most primary example" is generally redundant. "Primary" already implies the highest level of importance or relevance, so avoid adding "most".

What is the difference between a "primary example" and a "typical example"?

A "primary example" highlights the most important instance, while a "typical example" represents a common or representative case. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize significance or typicality.