simple example

USAGE SUMMARY

'simple example' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to a basic example of something, such as: "This equation is an example of a linear equation; for a more simple example, consider the equation 2x + 4 = 10."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

as a simple example.

The New York Times

Here's a simple example.

The Guardian

Give a simple example.

Princeton University

Consider this simple example.

The Washington Post

A simple example is education.

The Guardian - Opinion

A simple example is breathing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Here is a simple example.

Stanford University

Let's discuss a simple example.

Harvard Business Review

What happened today is a simple example".

The New York Times

A simple example of free body diagrams.

Yale University

Let me illustrate with a simple example.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the phrase at the beginning of a sentence to signal a shift in complexity, which helps in maintaining the reader's attention during technical explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "simple example" if the instance you are providing actually leaves out crucial details that change the outcome. A "simple example" should clarify a concept without distorting the underlying truth; otherwise, it becomes 'simplistic' and potentially misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple example" functions as a noun phrase composed of the qualifying adjective 'simple' and the head noun 'example'. It is primarily used to introduce an illustrative case that reduces a complex subject to its essential, easily digestible components. According to Ludwig, it often acts as the direct object of verbs like 'give', 'consider', or 'take'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

45%

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "simple example" is an essential tool in English writing, serving as a reliable bridge between complex theory and reader comprehension. Data from Ludwig confirms that it is used extensively by experts at institutions like MIT and Princeton, as well as in top-tier journalism like The New York Times. It is grammatically flawless and carries a neutral, professional tone that fits almost any context. Whether you are writing a scientific paper or a business blog post, using a "simple example" is a highly effective way to ensure your message is clear and your arguments are grounded in reality. Ludwig AI further verifies that the phrase remains one of the most common ways to introduce clarity in high-stakes writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic illustration

Focuses more on the visual or conceptual depiction of an idea.

straightforward instance

Emphasizes the directness and lack of ambiguity in the example provided.

uncomplicated case

Highlights the absence of complex variables in the specific scenario.

clear-cut demonstration

Suggests that the example serves as undeniable proof of a concept.

elementary sample

Often used in educational contexts to denote a foundational starting point.

plain illustration

Suggests a simple and unadorned way of showing how something works.

prime example

Shifts the focus from simplicity to being the most typical or best representative.

concise example

Highlights the brevity and efficient nature of the explanation.

brief case study

Implies a more structured but still short examination of a real-world scenario.

modest example

A more humble way to introduce an illustration, often used in formal prefaces.

FAQs

How do I use "simple example" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a clarifying point, for instance: "To understand how gravity works, consider this simple example: an apple falling from a tree."

What can I say instead of "simple example"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "<a href="/s/basic+illustration" target="_blank" rel="alternative">basic illustration", "<a href="/s/straightforward+instance" target="_blank" rel="alternative">straightforward instance", or "<a href="/s/plain+case" target="_blank" rel="alternative">plain case".

Is "simple example" formal enough for a thesis?

Yes, it is widely used in high-level academic writing. Ludwig shows many instances of this phrase appearing in publications from <a href="/s/Stanford+University" target="_blank" rel="alternative">Stanford University and <a href="/s/Nature" target="_blank" rel="alternative">Nature.

What is the difference between "simple example" and "prime example"?

A "simple example" is intended to be easy to understand, whereas a "<a href="/s/prime+example" target="_blank" rel="alternative">prime example" is the best or most typical instance of something, regardless of its complexity.