typical example

USAGE SUMMARY

"typical example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an example that is representative of the larger phenomenon. For example: "A hot day in summer is a typical example of summer weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's a typical example.

The Guardian - Books

A typical example was apprenticeships.

The Guardian

Last Monday was a typical example of United's travails.

The New York Times

Not a typical example of our "restraining influence".

The Guardian

Take last Thursday night's offering as a typical example.

The Guardian

A typical example is a tungsten light bulb.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A typical example: "I know what you're wondering.

The New Yorker

It was a typical example of defiance overriding realism.

The Guardian - Sport

A typical example is a "renewal-rights transaction".

The Economist

New York City's indomitable rats are a typical example.

The New York Times

Here's a typical example of what happened next.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "typical example" when you want to highlight a case that is representative of a larger trend or category. This helps your audience understand a concept by relating it to something familiar.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences in a paragraph with "typical example". This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "for instance" or "a case in point" to introduce examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "typical example" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an appositive. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood. It serves to introduce a specific instance that is representative of a larger category or trend.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "typical example" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a representative instance of a broader category or trend. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely understood and suitable for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives exist, such as "classic instance" or "representative case", "typical example" effectively serves its purpose of clarifying concepts through relatable instances. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy in your writing. The phrase’s frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representative example

Focuses on the example being a good representation.

classic instance

Replaces "example" with "instance" and "typical" with "classic", implying a well-known or representative case.

representative case

Focuses on the idea that the example accurately represents the broader category.

common illustration

Substitutes "example" with "illustration", suggesting a visual or descriptive instance that clarifies a point.

standard instance

Uses "standard" instead of "typical", emphasizing the example's conformity to a norm or expectation.

prime illustration

Implies the example is the best or most important one to consider.

textbook example

Suggests the example is so clear and well-defined that it could be used in an educational context.

characteristic instance

Highlights the traits that make the example representative of its group.

paradigmatic case

A more formal substitute, suggesting the example serves as a model or pattern.

usual instance

Indicates the example is frequently encountered or observed.

FAQs

How can I use "typical example" in a sentence?

Use "typical example" to introduce a case that represents a broader category or trend. For instance, "A sunny day in July is a "typical example" of summer weather".

What phrases can I use instead of "typical example"?

Alternatives include "classic instance", "representative case", or "common illustration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "typical example"?

While both words share semantic overlap, "typical example" is generally acceptable. The phrase emphasizes that the example is not just any example, but one that accurately represents the norm.

What is the difference between "typical example" and "perfect example"?

"Typical example" indicates a representative instance, while "perfect example" suggests an instance that is flawless or ideal. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize representativeness or flawlessness.