the leading example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the leading example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a prominent or exemplary case that serves as a model for others to follow. Example: "The company's innovative approach to sustainability has made it the leading example in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Walmart offers the leading example of this strategy.

Harvard Business Review

The leading example comes out of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

The New York Times

For Israel's left, Netzarim has long been the leading example of what they consider the excesses of the settlement movement.

The New York Times

South Korea is currently the world leader in digital network infrastructure and the leading example of ICT-driven development.

Telecommunications Policy

Today, analysts say, I.B.M. is the leading example of a new breed of business enterprise: the postmultinational global corporation.

The New York Times - Tech

In an interview in Tokyo this month, Mr. Cho said that Mr. Press had been the leading example of Toyota's efforts to hire and groom local managers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

William Randolph Hearst's New York papers, the leading examples, were flamboyant, populist, opinionated, and thoroughly disreputable.

The New Yorker

Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman are the leading examples, but here we offer 10 alternatives whose tweets make our hearts sing.

The Guardian - Books

Nazi Germany under Hitler and the Soviet Union under Stalin are the leading examples of modern totalitarian dictatorships.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oddly, neither of them catches Laffer's extraordinary assertion that Estonia and Ireland are the leading examples of failed stimulus.

The New York Times

YouTube multi-channel networks (MCNs) are big business, at least judging by the up to $950m that Disney has agreed to pay for one of the leading examples, Maker Studios.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the leading example" to showcase a specific case that embodies the best qualities or characteristics of a broader concept. It's best when you want to point to a tangible and well-known instance.

Common error

Avoid using "the leading example" when making broad, unsubstantiated claims. Always ensure that the example you provide is widely recognized and genuinely supports your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the leading example" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific instance that best represents a particular category or concept. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the leading example" is a versatile noun phrase that effectively highlights exemplary instances. As verified by Ludwig, it enjoys wide acceptance and frequent usage across diverse domains, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Its function is to provide clear illustrations, enhance understanding, and strengthen arguments. When using the phrase, ensure the example is genuinely representative and widely recognized. While alternatives like "the prime example" or "the foremost example" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding overuse in vague statements is crucial for maintaining the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prime example

Replaces "leading" with "prime", emphasizing the idea of being the most important or representative.

the foremost example

Substitutes "leading" with "foremost", highlighting the prominence and superiority of the example.

the best illustration

Shifts from "example" to "illustration", focusing on the clarifying nature of the instance.

the chief instance

Replaces "leading" with "chief", stressing the principal or main occurrence.

the model case

Emphasizes the role of the example as a pattern or standard to be followed.

the exemplary instance

Uses "exemplary" to describe the instance as outstanding and worthy of imitation.

the outstanding case

Highlights the superiority and distinction of the example.

a classic case

Indicates the example is a well-known and typical instance of something.

the paradigm

Implies that the example is a standard or model for something.

the gold standard

Suggests that the example is the ultimate benchmark or best practice.

FAQs

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

Use "the leading example" to introduce a specific case that best represents a particular concept or trend. For instance, "In sustainable architecture, "the leading example" is the Bullitt Center in Seattle."

What phrases are similar to "the leading example"?

Alternatives include "the prime example", "the foremost example", or "the best illustration", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a leading example" or "the leading example"?

"The leading example" implies a singular, widely recognized instance. "A leading example" suggests one among several prominent instances. Choose based on whether you're highlighting the most representative case or just one of many.

What is the difference between "the leading example" and "a typical example"?

"The leading example" suggests the best or most prominent case, setting a standard. "A typical example" simply indicates a representative instance, without necessarily being the best. "The leading example" is often used to showcase excellence or innovation, while a typical example is simply illustrative.