the following example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the following example" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce an example that will illustrate a point or concept mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "To clarify my point, let me provide the following example: a successful marketing campaign can significantly increase brand awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The result follows from the following example.

Mathematical Sciences

The following example illustrates the difference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And then it gives the following example.

The New York Times

Consider the following example, again from Microsoft.

Harvard Business Review

The following example deals with more typical cyclical fluctuations.

Harvard Business Review

Marginal utility can be illustrated by the following example.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Consider the following examples.

The New York Times

The following examples illustrate both these situations.

Harvard Business Review

All of the following examples use Protothreads.

Cornell University

The following examples of escorted packages can all be customized.

The New York Times - Travel

Consider the following examples from the U.S. media.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the following example" to clearly signal that you are about to provide a specific instance to support a general statement or idea. Ensure the example directly relates to and clarifies the point you are making.

Common error

Avoid using "the following example" if the subsequent illustration does not directly and clearly support your preceding statement. Ensure a strong connection between the example and the point it's meant to illustrate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the following example" serves as an introductory phrase, signaling the imminent presentation of a specific case or instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the following example" is a versatile introductory phrase used to signal the presentation of a specific instance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and highly prevalent across various domains, particularly in science, news media and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure a clear and direct relationship between the example provided and the point it is intended to illustrate. For more varied expression, consider alternatives like "for instance" or "consider this case".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for instance

This alternative is a concise way to introduce an example or illustration.

take for example

This reorders the phrase while maintaining its function of introducing an example.

consider this case

This alternative replaces the introductory phrase with a more direct invitation to consider a specific instance.

to illustrate this point

This variation clarifies that the example supports a preceding statement.

as a case in point

This phrase introduces the example as a relevant and supporting instance.

as an illustration

This option explicitly states the purpose of the upcoming information as illustrative.

to demonstrate this

This alternative emphasizes the demonstrative nature of the example.

let's consider this scenario

This alternative suggests a hypothetical situation for consideration.

suppose the following situation

This option presents a hypothetical situation for the reader to consider.

a prime example is

This highlights the example as particularly representative or significant.

FAQs

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

Use "the following example" to introduce a specific instance or case that clarifies or supports a preceding statement. For instance, "To illustrate the concept of supply and demand, consider the following example: when the price of gasoline increases, demand typically decreases."

What are some alternatives to "the following example"?

You can use alternatives such as "for instance", "to illustrate", or "consider this case" to introduce an example.

Is it correct to say 'following example' without 'the'?

While understandable, omitting "the" before "following example" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. Using "the following example" provides better clarity and adheres to standard English usage.

What is the difference between "the following example" and "for example"?

"The following example" introduces a specific, often detailed, instance. "For example" is a more general introductory phrase, often leading to a series of brief illustrations or cases.