to give an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to give an example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to illustrate a point or idea that you are discussing in your writing. For example, if you are discussing how technology has changed over time, you might say, "To give an example, the first cell phone was released in 1983."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Canedy: I wanted to give an example of that.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Morvillo asked him to give an example of one thing that was unexpected.

The New York Times

To give an example, Daldry reels off the problems encountered in Chicago.

The Guardian

To give an example, 35,000 people recently backed Joe's petition, extremely critical of a BBC journalist.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I believe you have the opportunity to give an example to others about what taking back your country can mean".

The Guardian

When I asked him to give an example of a product designed without empathy, he immediately named Google Glass.

The New Yorker

2. It is necessary to give an example of democracy to the whole world and hold a nationwide referendum on the abolition of the death penalty.

The New York Times

To give an example of one such slight, I must first evoke the memorable opening credit sequence of the "Garp" movie.

The New Yorker

To give an example, I have had experience with patients who develop cancer or other disabling diseases and then look upon themselves as "damaged goods".

The New York Times - Magazine

After reading Norman Podhoretz's comment about patriotism's slowly coming back into style (Arts & Ideas pages, July 1), I'd like to give an example from my own life.

The New York Times

Whenever anyone asks me to give an example of poetry – not poetry in music, but poetry, period – I always go back to that.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your introductory phrases for examples to avoid repetition. Use alternatives like "for instance", "as an illustration", or "take for example" /s/take+for+example depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex or lengthy examples that obscure the original point. Examples should simplify and clarify, not complicate. Ensure that your example is easily understandable and directly supports your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to give an example" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a transitional phrase, used to signal that the speaker or writer is about to provide a specific instance or illustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and correct construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to give an example" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce illustrative instances. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct construction that serves to clarify and support broader statements. While the phrase is common across various registers, including news, science, and business, you can enhance your writing by employing semantically similar alternatives like "for instance" /s/for+instance, "as an illustration" /s/as+an+illustration, or "take for example" /s/take+for+example. Remember to ensure the examples you provide directly relate to your main point and are easily understandable for your audience. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, this phrase is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take for example

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

for instance

This alternative is more concise and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

as an illustration

This alternative is slightly more formal, emphasizing the clarifying nature of the example.

to cite an instance

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes a specific occurrence.

to illustrate this

This alternative emphasizes the act of clarifying a previously mentioned point.

by way of example

This alternative is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of introducing an example.

consider this case

This alternative directs the audience to focus on a particular instance for consideration.

let me exemplify

This alternative is a more direct and assertive way of offering an example.

a case in point is

This alternative highlights the example as a relevant and specific instance.

suppose that

This alternative introduces a hypothetical example for the sake of explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "to give an example" to introduce a specific instance or illustration that supports and clarifies a general statement. Ensure the example is relevant and easy to understand.

What are some alternatives to "to give an example" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "for instance", "as an illustration", or "take for example" to introduce an example.

How formal is the phrase "to give an example"?

"To give an example" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, for very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "by way of example".

When is it appropriate to use "to give an example" in academic writing?

It's appropriate to use "to give an example" in academic writing when you need to provide a specific instance or case study to support your argument or analysis. Ensure the example is relevant, well-explained, and properly cited if necessary.