put an example

USAGE SUMMARY

"put an example" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to demonstrate or provide an example of a concept, process, or idea that you are discussing. For example, you might say, "Put an example of how you would solve this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let's put an example on the table and let's all talk about it".

The New York Times

I've put an example from KFC for each audience, and with this one, this is an example of the kind of thing only experts will do.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

How you build your wild card squad is of course up to you but here at The Sweeper we want to help — so we put together an example, complete with the rationale behind each pick.

The Times

President Trump and his surrogates may view our objections as pedantic or unnecessarily complicated, or, as press secretary Sean Spicer put it, an example of "pathetic nit-picking," but words (must) matter where both historical interpretation and effective governance are concerned.

Huffington Post

Out of the most celebrated TV in recent memory -- Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Game of Thrones -- which central characters would you put as an example of good behavior for children?

Huffington Post

A diagnosis of ovarian cancer, for example, can put an even greater strain on an already tight budget, not to mention breaking a woman's spirit.

The New York Times

(Put an animal name here, for example a bunny).

WikiHow

Or is it, as Paul Ryan, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, puts it, an example of turning the safety net into "a hammock that lulls able-bodied people to lives of dependency and complacency".

The New York Times

Like doctoring, donating one's body to medicine is, as she puts it, an "example of how much it is possible to give to a total stranger in the hopes of healing".

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps his putting is an example and he's become a great putter.

BBC

Table 2 puts together an example of some important low odor threshold odorants encountered in heated and typical foods.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put an example" when you want someone to offer a concrete illustration to clarify a point in a discussion or explanation. For instance, you can use it to encourage active participation and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "put an example" when discussing purely abstract or theoretical concepts where a physical demonstration is impossible. Instead, opt for phrases like "explain the concept" or "elaborate on the theory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put an example" functions as an imperative request, prompting someone to offer a specific instance to clarify or support a point. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in facilitating understanding through concrete illustrations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put an example" is a grammatically correct phrase used to request a concrete illustration or demonstration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility. It's most commonly found in news, academic, and wiki contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. While not a highly frequent phrase, it serves as a clear and direct way to solicit clarification through specific instances. Consider alternatives like "provide an illustration" for more formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Provide an illustration

Replaces "put" with the more formal "provide", emphasizing the act of supplying an example.

Offer a demonstration

Substitutes "example" with "demonstration", focusing on showing how something works.

Give a sample

Uses "sample" instead of "example", implying a representative instance.

Illustrate with an instance

Emphasizes the act of making something clear through a specific case.

Show a representation

Focuses on presenting a visual or concrete form of the concept.

Outline a case study

Suggests a more detailed and analytical example.

Present an instance

A more formal way of asking to show an example

Supply an instance

Similar to "provide", but slightly less common.

Share a concrete example

Highlights the tangibility of the example.

Offer a specific example

Adds emphasis on the example being a concrete instance

FAQs

How can I use "put an example" in a sentence?

You can use "put an example" when asking someone to provide a specific instance or illustration to clarify a point. For instance, "Can you "put an example" of how this strategy would work in practice?"

What are some alternatives to saying "put an example"?

Alternatives include "provide an illustration", "offer a demonstration", or "give a sample". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of example you're requesting.

Is it more formal to say "put an example" or "provide an example"?

"Provide an example" is generally considered more formal than "put an example". Use "provide" in professional or academic settings, and "put" in more casual conversations.

When should I use "illustrate with an instance" instead of "put an example"?

Use "illustrate with an instance" when you want to emphasize that the example will make something clearer or more understandable. This phrasing is suitable for explanations and teachings, it is more formal than "put an example".