to cite an example

USAGE SUMMARY

"to cite an example" is an appropriate phrase for written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific example you will give to illustrate a point. For example, "To cite an example, a recent study showed that people who eat breakfast regularly have lower BMIs than those who do not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

To cite an example: A person is frightened by a white cloth flapping in a darkened hall, taking it for a ghost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Asked to cite an example of how its philosophy affects its news coverage, John Moody, the channel's vice president for news, pointed to its stated editorial policy on executions.

The New York Times

New York City's general fund, to cite an example, collected $2.1 billion from transfer and mortgage recording taxes at the peak of the market in the 2007 fiscal year, according to Frank Braconi, chief economist for the comptroller's office.

The New York Times

Many Western media companies have seized upon this reality to create sites devoted to the domestic consumption of their foreign reporting — including The New York Times's India Ink blog, to cite an example.

The New York Times

To cite an example from the term just over, justices with political experience might not have declared, as the majority did in a decision limiting the states' exposure to suits under the Americans With Disabilities Act, that despite holding 12 hearings over three years Congress had failed to prove state governments had a history of discriminating against people with disabilities.

The New York Times

For the design store Matter, to cite an example, Loebach contributed exposed-frame sofas and turned-wood ladders to the shop's first in-house furniture line; the Milanese gallery owner Rossana Orlandi recently snapped up his digitally distorted wood vases informed by ancient Korean pottery.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

To cite an obvious example: "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord.

The New York Times - Magazine

The membership at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, to cite an extreme example, is $300,000.

The New York Times

Charles Darwin, to cite an obvious example, will be identified as the author of On the Origin of Species, though many readers have a special fondness for The Voyage of the Beagle.

The Guardian - Books

To cite an unfair example – Dickens (No 15, David Copperfield) and Wilde (No 27, The Picture of Dorian Gray) appear in the list on the same footing, with one novel apiece.

The Guardian - Books

The grinding last scene of the first act, to cite an egregious example, could surely have been finessed into better shape by a director with a little distance from the sometimes overripe oratory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to cite an example" to clearly signal that you are about to provide a specific instance to support your argument or statement. This helps readers follow your reasoning more easily.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "to cite an example" can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "for instance" or "as an illustration" for a more engaging read.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to cite an example" serves as an explicit discourse marker. It signals to the reader that a specific instance is about to be introduced to support a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English and clarifies the intention of providing an illustration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to cite an example" is a valuable phrase in written English used to introduce specific instances that support a general statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a clear discourse marker, enhancing clarity and understanding. While grammatically correct and common in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, it's important to avoid overuse by varying your language with synonyms like "for instance" or "as an illustration". By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively use "to cite an example" to strengthen your writing and improve reader comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for example

This alternative is the most common and straightforward way to introduce an example.

for instance

This alternative is a shorter and more direct way to introduce an example.

take for example

This alternative is slightly more informal but serves the same purpose.

as an illustration

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the illustrative nature of the example.

by way of example

This alternative is slightly more verbose but conveys the same meaning.

to illustrate

This alternative is a more concise and direct way to introduce an example.

as a case in point

This alternative emphasizes that the example strongly supports the preceding statement.

consider the case of

This alternative prompts the reader to think about a specific instance.

in particular

This alternative highlights a specific instance from a broader context.

specifically

This alternative directly narrows down to a particular instance.

FAQs

How can I use "to cite an example" in a sentence?

Use "to cite an example" at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma, to introduce a specific instance that supports a general statement. For instance, "To cite an example, the company's profits increased significantly after implementing the new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "to cite an example"?

You can use alternatives like "for example", "for instance", or "as an illustration" to introduce a specific instance. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it necessary to use a comma after "to cite an example"?

Yes, it's generally recommended to use a comma after "to cite an example" to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause. This improves readability and clarity.

What's the difference between "to cite an example" and "for example"?

Both phrases serve the same purpose of introducing a specific instance. However, "to cite an example" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "for example". The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.