to state an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to state an example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce a specific instance or illustration to clarify a point you are making. Example: "To state an example, many people find that regular exercise improves their mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Obviously to state an example.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We state an example to illustrate our result.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

They go on to state, as an example, that "Indigenous observations and interpretations of meteorological phenomena have guided seasonal and inter-annual activities of local communities for millennia.

Ecological Processes

Having all five calcium ions bound on the sensor does not guarantee vesicle release, since when a calcium ion detaches from the sensing mechanism before completion of fusion, the complex goes back to the not-fused state; an example of this is illustrated in the insert of Figure 9(c).

BioMed Research International

Here was an unprecedented working-class revolution directed against a "socialist" state, an example to other peoples of the Soviet bloc.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Toole continued to state that he saw Da Nang as an example of how a supportive and caring environment for children with disabilities is possible, and asked Da Nang to share the knowledge and resources with representatives from other provinces.

Unicef

Assessing and observing vital signs and physiological readings, while at the same time striving to understand the patient's symptoms and body language, were stated to be an example of an intervention in caring.

BMC Nursing

One logical argument for doing so would be that some people in the U.S. government have goals in Afghanistan that they don't want to state, for example, like establishing a permanent military presence in the country, and fear that real peace negotiations in Afghanistan might put these questions on the table.

Huffington Post

This will require a small fee that varies from state to state (for example Nebraska's is $15).

WikiHow

"People look to our state to set an example".

Huffington Post

State income taxes withheld from a federal government employee's pay, not yet paid to the state, are an example of deposit funds.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to state an example", ensure that the example clearly and directly supports the point you are making. The connection should be obvious to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "to state an example" in informal writing where simpler alternatives like "for example" or "to give an example" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to state an example" functions as an infinitive phrase used to introduce an illustrative instance or specific case, aiming to clarify or support a preceding statement. Ludwig confirms its usability, though it is less common than other similar phrases.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to state an example" is grammatically sound but relatively uncommon in contemporary English. As Ludwig AI suggests, while correct, it leans toward formal contexts and is often replaceable with more common alternatives such as "to give an example" or "for instance". Its purpose is to introduce an illustrative case that supports a claim, primarily found in professional or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to give an example

Focuses on the act of providing the example rather than formally stating it.

to offer an example

Similar to 'to give an example' but suggests a more thoughtful presentation.

to cite an example

Implies referencing a specific, often well-known, instance.

to present an example

Suggests a more formal and structured way of introducing the example.

to illustrate with an example

Highlights the clarifying purpose of the example.

to exemplify with a case

Uses 'case' instead of 'example', which might be suitable in legal or medical contexts.

to demonstrate with an instance

Emphasizes showing something through a specific instance.

to showcase an instance

Emphasizes something positive about the example, which stands out or is particularly relevant.

to point to an instance

Less formal and direct way of referring to a relevant case.

to detail a specific case

Involves giving a specific case to support your reasoning.

FAQs

What does "to state an example" mean?

The phrase "to state an example" means to formally introduce a specific instance or illustration to clarify or support a point being made. It is similar to saying "to give an example".

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

You can use "to state an example" to introduce a clarifying case, such as: "To state an example, many scientific studies have shown the benefits of exercise."

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

You can use alternatives like "to give an example", "to offer an example", or "for instance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to state an example" or "to give an example"?

Both "to state an example" and "to give an example" are correct. However, "to give an example" is more common and generally preferred in most contexts. "To state an example" carries a slightly more formal tone.