serving an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving an example" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of providing an example, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The teacher is serving an example of how to solve the equation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even though the sea's demise wasn't due to global warming, it's one of the world's worst environmental catastrophes, serving an example of how humans can alter the planet.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let it serve an example, a painful one to say the least, of how to avoid it in the future.

Huffington Post

The congregation, First Unitarian Universalist Church, is now serving as an example for St. Andrew's.

Vice

"So that the facility is serving as an example to the community".

Huffington Post

My experience can serve as an example of some ways to do this.

Huffington Post

The genetic code serves as an example.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today served as an example.

The New York Times

And we must serve as an example".

The New York Times - Arts

He can serve as an example.

The Guardian

Taking the blame serves as an example.

Harvard Business Review

And she has already served as an example.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "providing an example", "offering an example", or "serving as an example" instead of "serving an example" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "serving" directly before "an example". It's grammatically awkward. Instead, opt for verbs like "providing", "offering", or the phrase "serving as".

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as a verbal phrase indicating the act of providing a model or illustration. However, it is grammatically awkward. Ludwig AI explains that the phrase is not correct in standard written English. It intends to convey providing an example, but it's awkward and unclear.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serving an example" is grammatically questionable, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. While it aims to convey the idea of providing a model or illustration, it's considered awkward and unclear in standard written English. The more appropriate alternatives include "providing an example" or "serving as an example". Although the phrase appears across various sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it's infrequent and best avoided in formal writing. When aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness, opt for the suggested alternatives to effectively communicate your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

providing an example

Uses a more common and grammatically sound verb.

offering an illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration" and uses "offering" instead of "serving".

acting as a model

Focuses on the role of being a pattern or guide.

setting a precedent

Emphasizes establishing a standard for future actions.

demonstrating a case

Highlights showcasing a particular situation.

exemplifying a concept

Focuses on representing a broader idea.

furnishing an instance

Offers a formal way of presenting a specific occurrence.

portraying an instance

Highlights presenting a particular occurrence.

giving a demonstration

Focuses on showing how something is done or functions.

standing as a testament

Emphasizes providing evidence or proof of something.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "serving an example"?

The grammatically correct alternatives are "providing an example" or "serving as an example". The phrase "serving an example" is considered awkward.

Is "serving an example" grammatically correct?

No, it is not. Standard English prefers phrases like "providing an example" or "serving as an example".

What does it mean when something is "serving as an example"?

It means something is acting as a model or illustration, setting a standard for others to follow or demonstrating a principle.

Are there situations where "serving an example" is appropriate?

While not grammatically correct in formal writing, it might appear in very informal speech. However, it's best to stick with "providing an example" or "serving as an example" for clarity.