serves as an example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serves as an example of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when referring to something that represents or demonstrates a larger idea or concept. For example: "This painting serves as an example of the artist's use of bold colors and abstract forms." In this sentence, the painting represents the artist's overall style and serves as an example of it. Another example: "The country's successful economic policies serve as an example of how government intervention can positively impact a nation's economy." In this sentence, the economic policies serve as a demonstration or model of how government intervention can have a positive effect on an economy. Overall, the phrase "serves as an example of" is used to highlight or illustrate a specific aspect or idea by using a specific instance or case.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Because of all the bad things that have happened, Yacyretá serves as an example of what should not be done".

The New York Times

But it's Boris Kaufman's cinematography that is most impressive – it serves as an example of the way realism can be infected by the characteristics of poetry and dream.

The Guardian - Film

Teotihuacan still serves as an example of a model metropolis: a multi-ethnic urban centre fuelled by far-reaching trade networks.

The Guardian

Battery Park City serves as an example of city leaders beholden to developers, who encourage the concept of Manhattan as an increasingly exclusive enclave for the wealthy.

The New York Times

Their work on behalf of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation serves as an example of the positive impact that an individual can have on the lives of others.

The New York Times

CNN's bot is the worst of a bad bunch, but serves as an example of how low the bar is set.

The Guardian - Tech

The Angela Johnson case serves as an example of how the capital-punishment system falls short in practice, even when guilt isn't at issue.

The New York Times

But it serves as an example of the pitfalls of investing in newly privatized industries, especially overseas, where the rules are still subject to change and are often far different from the ones at home.

The New York Times

Schiff makes reference to the Biblical injunction "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" (Exodus, 22 18), which serves as an example of the Puritans' false interpretation and mistranslation of the Bible.

The New Yorker

The actively reflecting plane serves as an example of the JMC formulation for the active scatterer.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The boids application serves as an example of a simple networked virtual environments (NVE).

Networked Graphics Building Networked Games and Virtual Environments

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serves as an example of" to clearly connect a specific instance to a broader concept, making your argument more concrete and understandable. For example, "The decline of the Roman Empire serves as an example of the potential consequences of unchecked expansion."

Common error

Avoid using "serves as an example of" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "illustrates", "exemplifies", or "demonstrates" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves as an example of" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a specific instance to a more general principle or concept. It introduces an example meant to illustrate or support a claim. Ludwig confirms the correct and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serves as an example of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to connect specific instances to broader concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While highly useful, it's important to vary your writing by using synonyms like "exemplifies" or "illustrates" to avoid redundancy. The examples in Ludwig highlight its effective use in providing clarity and support to arguments across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exemplifies

Single word, more concise and formal, suitable when brevity is desired.

illustrates

Similar meaning, but focuses on clarifying or explaining something.

demonstrates

Emphasizes the act of proving or showing something clearly.

provides an illustration of

Focuses on making something easier to understand through a specific example.

embodies

Suggests that the subject is a perfect representation of a quality or idea.

represents

Indicates that the subject stands for or symbolizes something else.

functions as a model of

Highlights the subject's role as a standard or pattern for others to follow.

highlights

More direct; calls attention to a notable instance.

is a case in point

More informal and conversational, used to introduce a relevant example.

offers a typical instance of

Suggests that the subject is representative and not exceptional.

FAQs

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

Use "serves as an example of" to connect a specific instance to a broader principle or concept. For instance, "The French Revolution serves as an example of how social inequality can lead to widespread unrest."

What are some alternatives to "serves as an example of"?

You can use alternatives like "exemplifies", "illustrates", or "demonstrates" to vary your language while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "serves as an example of" or "is an example of"?

"Serves as an example of" is more emphatic, suggesting that the example effectively demonstrates a broader point. "Is an example of" is a more general statement. The best choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "serves as an example of" and "highlights"?

"Serves as an example of" explicitly frames something as representative of a larger idea, while "highlights" simply draws attention to something notable without necessarily implying that it is representative.