serve as an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as an example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to show something as an illustration or instance of a particular situation. For example, "Steve's hard work and dedication serve as an example to us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

And we must serve as an example".

The New York Times - Arts

He can serve as an example.

The Guardian

The Wisconsin dairymen perhaps serve as an example of that.

The New York Times - Science

Again, the case of Britain may serve as an example.

Columbia University

How might the Japanese rail network serve as an example of such a complex system?

The New York Times

"It should broadcast without advertising and serve as an example of political neutrality.

The New York Times

The manner of presentation might serve as an example to any ballet school in the world.

The New York Times - Arts

The fantastic teachers at City and Islington College serve as an example that second chances exist!

The Guardian

General secretary Frances O'Grady says: "First Group should serve as an example to other employers.

The Guardian - Business

All eyes are on Sacramento to serve as an example, he said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

68 Kaiser Permanente can serve as an example.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serve as an example" when you want to highlight how a specific instance can be instructive or representative of a broader principle. It's effective in persuasive writing or when explaining complex concepts.

Common error

Avoid using examples that are too general or poorly defined. Ensure your example is concrete and clearly illustrates the point you are trying to make when you say something "serves as an example".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as an example" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the role or purpose of a subject. It signifies that the subject is providing an illustration or model for others, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as an example" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something functions as an illustration or model. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase can be replaced with alternatives such as "act as a model" or "provide an illustration", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using "serve as an example", ensure your example is concrete and clearly supports your point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exemplify

A single-word alternative that means to be a typical example of something.

act as a model

Focuses on the function of being a pattern worthy of imitation.

provide an illustration

Highlights the use of something to clarify or explain a concept.

offer a precedent

Emphasizes the use of something as a basis for future action or decision.

set a benchmark

Implies establishing a standard against which others can be measured.

furnish an instance

Stresses the provision of a specific case or occurrence.

represent a paradigm

Suggests serving as a typical example or pattern of something.

give a demonstration

Highlights actively showing how something is done or how it works.

stand as a testament

Emphasizes providing irrefutable proof or evidence of something.

offer a template

Conveys providing a pattern or guide for others to follow.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as an example" in a sentence?

You can use "serve as an example" to show how a specific instance illustrates a broader point. For example, "His dedication to the project should "serve as an example" for the rest of the team".

What are some alternatives to "serve as an example"?

You can use alternatives like "act as a model", "provide an illustration", or "offer a precedent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "serve as an example" or "serving as an example"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Serve as an example" is often used in a more general or future-oriented context, while "serving as an example" emphasizes the ongoing or current nature of the example.

What does it mean for something to "serve as an example"?

When something "serves as an example", it means it provides a clear instance or model that can be used to understand, learn from, or imitate a particular concept, behavior, or situation.