the best example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the best example" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something or someone that perfectly represents a certain concept or idea. Example: "The Eiffel Tower is often considered the best example of French architecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The best example?

The New York Times

Trade is the best example.

The Economist

The best example is tax.

The Economist

China is the best example.

The Economist

The best example is Peru.

The Economist

But "Epidemic" is the best example.

The New York Times - Arts

Germany isn't even the best example.

The New York Times

Mobile money is the best example.

The Economist

The best example is the crowdfunding provision.

The New York Times

The best example is health insurance.

The New York Times

Samsung is perhaps the best example.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the best example", ensure the example is truly representative and clearly supports your point. Avoid using it for subjective opinions or isolated cases.

Common error

Avoid presenting an example as "the best" when it is merely a good or relevant one. Overstating the quality of the example can weaken your argument if challenged.

Linguistic Context

The best example" functions as a noun phrase often used to introduce a specific instance that serves as a clear and compelling illustration of a broader concept or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in English to highlight a representative case. This phrase is used to emphasize a specific instance that supports a point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the best example" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to introduce a specific instance that clearly illustrates a broader concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in written English to emphasize a representative case or demonstrate a point. While it's suitable for many contexts, be careful not to overstate your example's quality. Consider the alternatives, such as "a prime illustration" or "a notable case", to refine your expression and maintain writing precision. The use of "the best example" occurs most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When including markdown formatting in content fields, always wrap the main query in quotation marks ("the best example") and render in bold. When including markdown formatting in content fields, use links on cited alternatives that are not the main query and follow these exact guidelines for links: a) Use this EXACT format for alternative phrases links: "alternative phrase" b) NEVER include unescaped double quotes (") within link text or attributes c) The single quote (') in the link does not need an escape. d) All attribute values must be properly escaped with backslashes before quotes CORRECT: "in my opinion" INCORRECT: as they say

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prime illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration", emphasizing the clarifying nature of the instance.

a notable case

Substitutes "example" with "case", framing the instance as a specific occurrence worthy of attention.

a telling instance

Emphasizes the revealing or informative quality of the example.

a classic instance

Suggests that the example is a well-known or typical representation.

a perfect demonstration

Highlights how the example clearly shows or proves a point.

a striking example

Indicates the example is particularly noticeable or impressive.

a key illustration

Highlights that the example is important or essential for understanding.

a significant instance

Indicates that the example is of considerable importance or consequence.

a textbook example

Implies the example is so clear it could be used in educational materials.

a representative sample

Frames the instance as a typical or characteristic selection from a larger set.

FAQs

How can I use "the best example" in a sentence?

Use "the best example" to introduce a specific instance that clearly illustrates a broader point or concept. For instance, "When discussing energy efficiency, solar power is "the best example" of renewable technology".

What are some alternatives to using "the best example"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a prime illustration", "a notable case", or "a telling instance" to offer similar emphasis when introducing an example. See more alternatives "here".

Is it always necessary to qualify an example as "the best"?

No, specifying an example as "the best" isn't always necessary and can sometimes be subjective. Use it only when the example is widely recognized or strongly supports your argument. In many cases, "a good example" or "an illustrative case" may be more appropriate.

What makes an example "the best"?

An example can be considered "the best" when it most clearly and effectively demonstrates a concept, is widely recognized as representative, and/or has a significant impact or outcome related to the topic at hand.