seminal example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seminal example" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an example that is highly influential or serves as a model for others in a particular field or context. Example: "The research conducted by Dr. Smith is considered a seminal example of innovative approaches in environmental science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Another trustee, Adriana Mnuchin, co-owner of the Mayflower Inn in Washington, Conn., donated Newman's "Promise" (1949), a seminal example of one of the artist's "zip" paintings.

The New York Times - Arts

The work is a seminal example of his "Combine" paintings, a term he coined to describe works that incorporate castoff objects like rubber tires, flatware or furniture.

The New York Times - Arts

The canvas, which has been exhibited widely across the United States, is considered to be a seminal example by the artist, who turns 90 next month.

The New York Times - Arts

With the help of Phyllis Wattis, one of its biggest benefactors, the museum recently acquired Gordon Matta-Clark's "Splitting: Four Corners" (1974), a seminal example of the artist's work.

The New York Times - Arts

In one photograph, a room in Ginzburg's Narkomfin complex (1928-30), whose clean modernist interlocking apartments were a seminal example of communal housing, is stuffed with cheap traditional Russian furniture.

The New York Times - Arts

It was viewed as a smashing success by both the company and the advertising industry, as well as a seminal example of what is now called user-generated content.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

(I Love Bees and Perplex City are seminal examples of the form).

The New York Times - Books

Seminal examples by six leading anime artists will be on view, as will work by eight manga artists, one sound artist and two video game designers.

The New York Times

For me, the three seminal examples of my adolescence were Arthur C Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey, Robert Weverka's The Sting and Christopher Wood's The Spy Who Loved Me.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Koons is no stranger to Mr. Joannou's holdings: they just happen to include seminal examples of Koons pieces from every period, like the sculptures "Balloon Dog," "Michael Jackson and Bubbles" and one of his first "Equilibrium Tanks" (a basketball suspended in a container filled with water).

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Pincus died in December, and now Mrs. Pincus is selling a significant portion of her collection at Christie's in New York on May 8 and 9, including seminal examples of paintings by Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman and Willem de Kooning: Abstract artists who are all the rage now.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seminal example" to highlight instances that have significantly influenced subsequent developments in a field or area of study. It's particularly effective when discussing academic research, artistic movements, or historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "seminal example" for trivial or commonplace instances. Reserve it for cases that truly represent a major turning point or foundation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seminal example" functions as a noun phrase, where "seminal" modifies "example" to indicate its crucial and influential nature. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used to denote an instance that has had a significant impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seminal example" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a highly influential or representative instance. As per Ludwig, it's most commonly found in formal contexts like academic and scientific writing, emphasizing the lasting impact of the example. While alternatives exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance one wants to convey. Avoid overusing it in non-critical contexts, reserving it for instances that truly represent a major turning point or foundation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classic instance

Replaces "seminal" with "classic", emphasizing the traditional and well-recognized nature of the example.

defining illustration

Substitutes "seminal" with "defining", highlighting that the example sets a clear standard or boundary.

prime model

Uses "prime" instead of "seminal", stressing the example's excellence and suitability as a pattern.

archetypal case

Replaces "seminal" with "archetypal", indicating the example is a typical or representative specimen.

paradigm example

Employs "paradigm" to suggest the example is a standard or model for others to follow.

key illustration

Replaces "seminal" with "key", highlighting the importance and criticality of the example.

foundational instance

Substitutes "seminal" with "foundational", emphasizing that the example serves as a base or origin.

pivotal case

Uses "pivotal" instead of "seminal", stressing that the example is a turning point or crucial moment.

groundbreaking illustration

Replaces "seminal" with "groundbreaking", emphasizing the innovative and pioneering nature of the example.

influential model

Substitutes "seminal" with "influential", simply highlighting the significant impact of the example.

FAQs

How can I use "seminal example" in a sentence?

You can use "seminal example" to refer to a highly influential or representative instance. For example: "The discovery of penicillin is a "seminal example" of serendipity in scientific research."

What's the difference between "seminal example" and "classic example"?

"Seminal example" implies that the instance has significantly influenced later developments, while "classic example" simply means it's a well-known and representative case. The "seminal example" is usually more impactful than a "classic example".

What are some alternatives to "seminal example"?

Alternatives include "defining illustration", "prime model", or "archetypal case", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "seminal example" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "seminal example" is more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "key example" or "important instance".