quintessential example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quintessential example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a perfect example of something. For example, "The Mona Lisa is the quintessential example of Renaissance art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Housing is the quintessential example.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Bootstrapper" would seem like the quintessential example of New Domesticity.

The New York Times - Books

Nascar is the quintessential example of nonessential driving.

The New York Times

A quintessential example is the 2010 semidry riesling from Paumanok Vineyards, in Aquebogue ($22).

The New York Times

The hit HBO show "Game of Thrones" is a quintessential example of this.

The New York Times

A quintessential example was his speech to a predominantly black crowd in South Carolina in 2008.

The New York Times

Film aficionados hail "Rashomon" as the quintessential example of the unreliable narrator.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's the quintessential example of what Greek tradition is not about: big".

The New York Times

If the A.I.G. bonuses looked like the quintessential example of Wall Street self-dealing, the House's bill looks like a quintessential example of blunt and ill-considered political policymaking.

The New Yorker

While the works that drew big numbers were disparate, each one was a quintessential example of its author's work.

The New York Times - Arts

But there are some commodities that never really participated in the boom at all, and lobster is the quintessential example.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quintessential example", ensure the example genuinely embodies the essence of the concept you're illustrating. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for truly representative cases.

Common error

Avoid applying "quintessential example" to commonplace instances. This dilutes the phrase's strength. For regular examples, use words like "typical" or "common" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quintessential example" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. According to Ludwig, it's used to identify a perfect or ideal instance of something. It often clarifies or emphasizes a concept by providing a highly representative illustration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quintessential example" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that denotes a perfect or ideal instance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It frequently appears in News & Media, Arts, and Formal & Business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the example truly embodies the essence of the concept and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "prime example" and "classic case", offering slight variations in emphasis. Be mindful of the importance to only use it when the example is truly the best instance, and not merely a typical one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prime example

Replaces "quintessential" with "prime", suggesting something is of the highest quality and serves as an excellent instance.

classic case

Substitutes "example" with "case", implying a typical or well-known instance.

textbook example

Indicates an example so clear and standard that it could be used in educational material.

perfect illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration", focusing on the clarifying aspect of the instance.

epitome

A single-word substitution representing the perfect example or embodiment of something.

model example

Suggests that the instance sets a standard to be emulated.

archetypal instance

Uses "archetypal" to indicate a fundamental or representative example.

representative case

Emphasizes the instance's ability to stand for a larger group or category.

ideal embodiment

Focuses on the instance as perfectly representing a concept or quality.

paradigm

A single word substitute indicating a clear example or pattern of something.

FAQs

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

Use "quintessential example" to highlight a perfect representation of something. For instance, "The Mona Lisa is a "quintessential example" of Renaissance art", showcasing its exemplary status.

What are some alternatives to "quintessential example"?

You can use alternatives like "prime example", "classic case", or "textbook example" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between a "typical example" and a "quintessential example"?

Yes, a "typical example" is a representative instance, while a ""quintessential example"" is the most perfect or representative instance of something. The latter implies a higher degree of excellence or representativeness.

When is it appropriate to use "quintessential example" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the example you are providing is not just any instance, but the most perfect, representative, or defining instance of something. Avoid using it for commonplace or ordinary examples.