representative example

USAGE SUMMARY

"representative example" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when referring to a particular example that can be seen to represent a group or category of things. For example, "This is a representative example of the behavior we expect from our employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goa is a much more representative example.

The New York Times

A representative example is presented.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

The Washington Post's "New Orleans Betrayed" is a representative example.

The New York Times

All the developed results are tested on a representative example.

European Journal of Control

The approach is tested with a representative example through simulations.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

But let's look at Say You Will as a representative example of his "pop-art".

The Guardian - Music

Howard's arguments seem a fairly representative example of mainstream Jamaican public opinion.

The Guardian - Music

A representative example for such a model is the one proposed by Landis.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

In the latter case, transonic cascade flow was chosen as a representative example.

Journal of Computational Physics

Layered composites have been investigated as a representative example to study this numerical issue.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Reaction kinetics of incorporation was studied choosing 30 wt% DDP content as representative example.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "representative example", ensure that the example truly reflects the broader group or concept you are describing. Provide enough context so readers understand why it's representative.

Common error

Avoid using "representative example" if the example is an outlier or exception. The chosen example must accurately reflect the typical characteristics of the group being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "representative example" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies a specific instance that embodies the characteristics of a larger group or category. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "representative example" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to illustrate a broader concept with a specific, typical instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its primary function is to provide clarity and relatability by showcasing abstract ideas in a concrete context. It enjoys widespread use across science, news media, and formal business settings. While many phrases share a similar meaning, the explicit use of "representative example" emphasizes the typical nature of the instance, ensuring it accurately reflects the category it represents. When using this phrase, ensuring that your example is indeed representative is key to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prime example

Emphasizes that the example is of high quality and serves as an excellent illustration.

typical instance

Focuses on the idea that the example is standard or usual.

suitable example

Focuses on the example's appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose.

illustrative case

Highlights the example's role in clarifying or explaining something.

representative sample

Implies the example is part of a set that accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger population.

classic illustration

Implies the example is well-known and serves as a prime representation.

textbook case

Suggests the example is so clear and well-defined that it could be used in educational materials.

indicative illustration

Suggests the example points to or reveals a broader pattern or trend.

demonstrative instance

Highlights that the example effectively proves or showcases a point.

exemplary model

Indicates that the example is worthy of imitation or serves as a standard.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "representative example", introduce the general category or concept first, then present the example as a typical instance. For example, "Consider the housing market; rising property taxes are a "prime example" of increasing costs for homeowners."

What phrases can I use instead of "representative example"?

Alternatives to "representative example" include phrases like "typical instance", ""prime example"", or "illustrative case", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "representative example"? Can't an example be assumed to be representative?

While it might seem redundant, using "representative example" emphasizes that the chosen example accurately reflects the broader category. It clarifies that the example isn't an outlier or exception, making the communication more precise.

What is the difference between a "representative example" and a "classic example"?

A "representative example" is typical of a group, while a "classic example" is well-known and often considered a standard or model. A classic example might not always be representative if it's exceptional in some way.