to exemplify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to exemplify" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb used to indicate that a particular case or instance is being used to illustrate an idea, opinion, or generalization. For example: "To exemplify the generosity of the charity, I'd like to tell you about one of their volunteers: a retired nurse who contributes her time and energy to helping the homeless every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The case has come to exemplify Russia's corrupt justice system.

The Guardian

A company purported to exemplify a successful straddling strategy?

The New Yorker

He appears to exemplify another trend as well.

The New York Times

A quotation by Ernest Hemingway seems to exemplify her.

The New York Times

That seemed to exemplify the church's muddled ways.

The Economist

Nobody expects it to "exemplify the Bar?style".

The New York Times

Experimental results are presented to exemplify the proposed strategy.

Energy and Buildings

After shrewdly analysing this self-deception, O'Rourke goes on to exemplify it.

The Guardian - Books

The ceremony established narratives about London, and Britain, which the past fortnight has come to exemplify.

The Guardian - Sport

Those names seemed to exemplify a clean-cut, boy-girl relationship.

The Guardian

They have no memory whatsoever of the kind of benevolent statism the slogan purports to exemplify.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to exemplify" when you want to introduce a specific instance that clearly demonstrates a broader concept or principle. It's particularly effective in academic, scientific, and formal writing to provide concrete support for your claims.

Common error

While "to exemplify" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to show" or "for example" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to exemplify" serves as a connector to introduce examples that illustrate a point or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its use is well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to exemplify" functions as a connector to introduce examples that illustrate a point or concept. It's most suitable for formal and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, as revealed by numerous real-world examples, making it a valuable asset in academic, scientific, and formal discourse. When aiming to provide concrete illustrations in your writing, consider using "to exemplify" to clearly and effectively support your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to illustrate

Focuses more on visually showing or clarifying something through examples.

to demonstrate

Emphasizes proving something through examples or evidence.

to instance

Highlights the act of giving a specific example.

to represent

Implies being a typical or characteristic example.

to embody

Suggests being a tangible or concrete example of an abstract concept.

to manifest

Focuses on revealing or showing something clearly through an example.

to epitomize

Implies being the perfect or ideal example.

to highlight

Focuses on drawing attention to a particular example.

to showcase

Emphasizes displaying something as a notable example.

to cite

Highlights the act of quoting or referring to an example as evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "to exemplify" in a sentence?

Use "to exemplify" to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a more general point. For example, "The case has come to exemplify Russia's corrupt justice system".

What are some alternatives to "to exemplify"?

You can use alternatives such as "to illustrate", "to demonstrate", or "to represent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to exemplify" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "to exemplify" is often best suited for formal writing, academic papers, or technical reports. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "to exemplify" and "for example"?

"To exemplify" is more formal and implies a clear and representative instance, whereas "for example" is a more general phrase to introduce an illustration. Using "to exemplify" suggests the example perfectly embodies the broader concept.