served as an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "served as an example" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "The school served as an example of a modern learning environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today served as an example.

The New York Times

And she has already served as an example.

The New York Times

His humility, morality and work ethic served as an example to us all.

The New York Times

His commitment to Zionism and the Jewish people served as an example to all.

The New York Times

Bond has long served as an example of what this might look like.

The Economist

The former may well have served as an example for Chinese craftsmen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He served as an example of picking yourself up after being knocked down.

The New York Times

The annual self-flagellation of Shi'a over 1,400 years served as an example of this martyr psychology.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama's candidacy has served as an example of a generational and stylistic shift in black political leadership in America.

The New York Times

When Abidal fought off the illness, and returned to the first team, it served as an example of fortitude.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure, Abrams may have served as an example for some politically minded young woman in search of a role model.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "served as an example" when you want to highlight that something acted as a clear illustration or model for others to follow or understand. This phrase is particularly useful when explaining how a concept, person, or event influenced subsequent actions or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "served as an example" when the influence is minimal or unclear. Ensure the context demonstrates a direct and significant impact, rather than a mere coincidence or tangential connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "served as an example" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject is acting as a model or illustration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its versatile use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "served as an example" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something has acted as a model or illustration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic papers, highlighting its suitability for diverse contexts. When writing, ensure the subject truly demonstrates a significant and direct impact to effectively use the phrase. While alternatives like "functioned as a model" or "acted as an illustration" exist, "served as an example" remains a clear and widely understood way to convey influence and guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioned as a model

Emphasizes the role of something as a pattern for imitation.

acted as an illustration

Highlights the way something clarifies or explains a concept.

provided a demonstration

Focuses on the act of showing how something works or should be done.

set a precedent

Indicates something that establishes a standard for future similar cases.

offered an instance

Stresses the presentation of a specific case or occurrence.

embodied a principle

Implies that something represents an abstract idea in a tangible way.

exemplified a trait

Highlights the characteristic or quality that something clearly shows.

stood as a paradigm

Suggests that something is an ideal or typical representation.

represented an ideal

Indicates that something is a perfect example of a concept or standard.

mirrored a concept

Highlights how something reflects or corresponds to a theoretical idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "served as an example" to show that something acted as a clear model or illustration. For instance, "Her dedication to the project "served as an example" for the rest of the team".

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

Alternatives include "functioned as a model", "acted as an illustration", or "provided a demonstration depending" on the specific context.

Is it better to say "served as an example" or "served as a model"?

Both phrases are correct, but "served as an example" emphasizes the illustrative aspect, while "served as a model" highlights the replicable aspect. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

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

For something to "serve as an example" means it provides a clear instance or illustration of a particular concept, principle, or behavior, often influencing or guiding others.