useful as an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful as an example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something serves as a good illustration or model for a particular point or concept. Example: "This case study is useful as an example of how effective communication can improve team dynamics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Therefore, producing a list of AEs from our data may be useful as an example to practices of how to use this approach.

BMJ Open

Jack Bovill, chairman of the Spelling Society, told me that despite its jocularity, ghoti is nonetheless "useful as an example of how illogical English spelling can be".

The New York Times - Magazine

The second example (see Example 1.2) does not satisfy the conditions of the paper, but it is useful as an example in the article.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These data will assist others as they begin to examine respective transcript and protein levels in C. thermocellum metabolic engineering, considering useful promoters as an example.

BMC Genomics

What we have in mind is many more examples as innovative and useful as, to take one example, Parkopedia, a small UK-based business that uses live data from local authorities to help drivers identify free car parking spaces.

The Guardian

This is useful for creationists as an example of an improbability of macroevolution to go forward successfully.

WikiHow

Its global firms can be useful as well as dangerous.Britain is also an example of how heterogeneous bank failures were.

The Economist

It could possibly be used as a compliment to a more rigorous Evolution text in a major's course, but it might instead be more useful as a source of examples and case studies solely for use by the instructor.

Evolutionary Applications

Anecdotal evidence so far suggests the arrangement can be useful, she said, citing as an example a challenge to devise a reliable, durable solar-powered light source that could function as a flashlight and as general room illumination.

The New York Times - Science

We have used selected rabbit anti-human polyclonal antibodies as an example of useful and easily available tools for studies on immune system structure and development in important veterinary species, many of which also represent animal models in biomedicine.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

Therefore the subclade groupings did not correspond entirely to those described by LaJeunesse [68], particularly for subclade A, and is probably the reason for the ambiguous identity of some strains in clade F, C and B. COI barcodes would be useful as a complementary marker for example, resolving the identification of two strains with ambiguous clade identity.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "useful as an example", ensure the example clearly illustrates the point you are making and is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using overly simplistic or general examples when you state something is "useful as an example". Instead, choose specific and compelling instances that provide meaningful insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful as an example" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate that something is helpful for illustrative purposes. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something serves as a good illustration or model.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "useful as an example" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to express that something serves as a good illustration or model. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While generally neutral to formal, its use is most prevalent in scientific and academic contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "serves as a good illustration" or "functions as a model" to convey similar meanings. When using the phrase, ensure the example is specific and relevant to the point being made for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serves as a good illustration

Replaces "useful" with "good" and uses "illustration" instead of "example", emphasizing the illustrative quality.

functions as a model

Substitutes "useful" with "functions" and "example" with "model", focusing on the functional aspect of being a representative case.

provides a helpful instance

Replaces "useful" with "helpful" and "example" with "instance", highlighting the helpful nature of a specific case.

is illustrative of

Expresses that something demonstrates or clarifies a point, replacing the entire phrase with a more concise form.

exemplifies

Replaces the entire phrase with a single verb that conveys the same meaning of serving as a typical example.

acts as a demonstration

Uses "demonstration" instead of "example", emphasizing the act of showing or proving something.

offers a practical demonstration

Replaces “useful as an example” with a focus on practical application, highlighting that something serves to clarify its real world usage.

supplies a relevant illustration

Uses “supplies” to highlight the element of providing that the “example” entails and replaces it with “illustration”.

represents a case in point

Expresses the original phrase with an enhanced formality in the word choice (“case in point” as opposed to “example”).

works as an excellent case study

Replaces example with case study to emphasize detailed analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "useful as an example" in a sentence?

You can use "useful as an example" to indicate that something serves as a good illustration or model. For instance, "This case study is "useful as an example" of how effective communication can improve team dynamics."

What are some alternatives to "useful as an example"?

Alternatives include "serves as a good illustration", "functions as a model", or "is illustrative of", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "useful as an example" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "useful as an example" when you want to highlight that something effectively demonstrates or represents a particular concept or principle.

What's the difference between "useful as an example" and "serves as an example"?

"Useful as an example" emphasizes the helpfulness of the example, while "serves as an example" simply indicates that something functions as an example. The difference is subtle, but "useful as an example" implies added value.