textbook example

USAGE SUMMARY

'textbook example' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when an example reflects the typical or expected outcome, often found in textbooks. For example, "The respiration of plants in the presence of light is a textbook example of cellular respiration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is this a textbook example of coercion?

The New York Times - Magazine

The diagramed deal is a textbook example.

The New York Times

The textbook example is Silicon Valley.

The New York Times

France's left politics provide a textbook example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bear with me while I run through a textbook example.

The New York Times

Is this a textbook example of the fickleness of fashion?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The case became a textbook example of civil rights justice.

The Guardian

His first at-bat yesterday was a textbook example.

The New York Times - Sports

8.46pm BST Comedy is all about timing: a textbook example.

The Guardian - Sport

What followed was a textbook example of "mission creep".

The New Yorker

Carolyn Weisz is a textbook example of a high delayer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "textbook example" when you want to refer to a scenario or concept that clearly illustrates a principle or theory, often one found in educational materials.

Common error

Avoid using "textbook example" in very casual conversations. It's more appropriate for academic, professional, or analytical discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "textbook example" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a specific instance or case that perfectly illustrates a particular concept or principle. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "textbook example" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe an instance that perfectly illustrates a principle or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news, media, and science, carrying a neutral to formal tone. When writing, remember that "textbook example" best suits formal contexts and analytical discussions. Semantically related alternatives include "classic case", "prime illustration", and "perfect instance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

textbook case

Synonymous, but places more emphasis on the 'case' part.

classic case

Focuses on the traditional and well-known aspect of the example, implying it's widely recognized.

exemplary instance

Implies that the example is not only representative but also of high quality.

prime illustration

Emphasizes the illustrative quality, suggesting the example effectively demonstrates a point.

perfect instance

Highlights the flawless representation of the concept by the example.

archetypal example

Indicates that the example is a definitive or quintessential representation.

typical demonstration

Indicates the example is a standard and representative display of a phenomenon.

clear depiction

Stresses the clarity with which the example represents a concept.

model example

Suggests the example is so good it can be used a 'model' for other elements of the same type.

ideal model

Similar to 'model example' but underlines that the 'example' is the ideal 'model'.

FAQs

How can I use "textbook example" in a sentence?

You can use "textbook example" to describe something that perfectly illustrates a concept or principle, as in "The respiration of plants in the presence of light is a textbook example of cellular respiration."

What are some alternatives to "textbook example"?

Consider using alternatives like "classic case", "prime illustration", or "perfect instance" to add variety to your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "textbook example" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "textbook example" is generally more suitable for formal or academic contexts rather than casual conversation. Choose a different phrase for informal settings.

What makes something a "textbook example"?

A "textbook example" is a clear, well-defined illustration of a concept that is commonly used in educational materials due to its simplicity and effectiveness in demonstrating a principle.