solely as an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solely as an example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify that something is being presented only for illustrative purposes and not as a definitive or exhaustive case. Example: "The following scenario is presented solely as an example to illustrate the concept of supply and demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

24 We used the Cambridge risk score solely as an example of a risk score using data routinely available in general practice records, and the Finnish diabetes risk score as an example of a participant completed questionnaire (recommended by the Department of Health as a first step for identifying people at high risk, who will be offered testing for fasting blood glucose).

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

After the ETS vote, that boast rings hollow.Clarification: Mr Swartz has asked us to make clear that he is referring solely to the European Union's Emissions Trading System as an example of what not to do.

The Economist

We, then, propose a novel spin-filter device solely based on the Rashba effect as an example of the devices that utilize the Rashba spin orbit coupling effect.

Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures

Lung cancer is frequently cited as an example of a malignancy solely attributable to environmental exposure.

British Journal of Cancer

But Board of Public Works President Kevin James — a Republican some might expect to be a fan of privatization — has pointed to the rising costs as an example of the risks of relying solely on outside companies.

Los Angeles Times

10 We used the Cambridge diabetes risk score as an example of a simple risk score in a stepwise approach solely for demonstration.

British Medical Journal

In contrast, Livia Monnet criticized her character as an example of the constantly kidnapped female in Japanese cinema, further "diluted" by her existence solely as a computer-generated character representing "an ideal, cinematic female character that has no real referent".

Wikipedia

As an example, the gene RAET1L was predicted to have MHC class I receptor activity, and based solely on the available literature, this prediction was deemed "unclear".

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Race, Gender, Media: Considering Diversity Across Audiences, Content, and Producers used her as an example of most female characters in video games, describing her body and clothing as being created solely for the viewing pleasure of players, often males.

Wikipedia

As an example, consider "Samurai!

The New York Times - Arts

Take travel as an example.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solely as an example" to clearly signal that you are providing an illustration, not a comprehensive analysis, ensuring the reader understands the limited scope of the example.

Common error

Avoid using "solely as an example" when your intention is to provide a thorough explanation or a definitive solution, as this phrase explicitly limits the scope and impact of the given instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solely as an example" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific instance or case. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English and used to clarify that something is being presented only for illustrative purposes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solely as an example" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce an illustrative instance, signaling that the example is limited in scope and not intended as a comprehensive analysis. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is versatile, fitting in both formal and informal contexts, with usage noted in scientific, news, and general sources. While not frequently used, it serves a valuable function in clarifying the intent behind providing an example, guiding the reader to understand its limited scope and avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely as an illustration

Emphasizes the illustrative nature with a sense of simplicity.

simply as a demonstration

Highlights that the intention is for demonstration purposes.

purely for instance

Focuses on providing an instance or case.

just as a sample

Indicates the presented item is a small part of a larger whole.

only as a model

Conveys the item is intended to serve as a pattern for replication.

uniquely as a case

Highlights the uniqueness of the case being presented.

particularly as an exhibit

Suggests a visual or public display is being used.

specifically as a prototype

Refers to an initial design or model.

exclusively as a symbol

Emphasizes that the item represents something else and nothing more.

singularly as an archetype

Points to the item being a perfect or typical example of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "solely as an example" to introduce an illustration that clarifies a point without being exhaustive. For instance, "We are using this case study solely as an example to demonstrate potential risks."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "merely as an illustration", "simply as a demonstration", or "just as a sample", each offering a slightly different nuance.

When should I use "solely as an example" versus other similar phrases?

"Solely as an example" is best used when you want to emphasize that the provided instance is not comprehensive and should not be taken as a complete representation. Use other phrases if you intend to provide a more detailed or representative example.

Is it formal to use the phrase "solely as an example"?

The phrase "solely as an example" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing rather than the phrase itself.