was an example of

USAGE SUMMARY

"was an example of" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to connect two clauses, one referring to an example and the other providing more information about the example. For example, "The elaborate dance performed by the native people was an example of their cultural heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An accomplished and dynamic individual, Michele was an example of kindness and courage.

The New York Times

It was an example of silent luxury.

The New York Times

Today was an example of that.

The New York Times - Food

Spadea was an example of that.

The New York Times - Sports

And this was an example of that.

The Guardian

Aluminum tubes was an example of that.

The New York Times

She was an example of true goodness.

The New York Times

Prokofiev's career was an example of great talent horribly mismanaged.

The New York Times

It was an example of the principle of negative modeling.

The New York Times - Arts

The Woodmere crash was an example of that.

The New York Times

"That was an example of what he needed to do".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing with alternatives such as "served as an illustration of" or "demonstrated" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

While "was an example of" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing with active voice constructs where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was an example of" serves as a linking phrase, connecting a specific instance to a broader category, principle, or concept. It functions to provide concrete evidence or illustrate a point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was an example of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to illustrate a concept with a specific instance. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment based on its analysis of numerous reputable sources. While its register is generally neutral, its effectiveness lies in providing clarity and support to an argument. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for more concise alternatives when appropriate and avoiding overuse of passive voice to maintain a strong and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

served as an illustration of

More formal and emphasizes the illustrative nature of the example.

exemplified

This is a more concise, verb-based alternative that directly states something served as an example.

constituted an instance of

More formal and specific, emphasizing the occurrence of a single event.

illustrated

Similar to exemplified, but focuses on visually or clearly showing something.

was indicative of

Suggests that the example points towards a broader trend or characteristic.

demonstrated

Highlights the act of proving or showing something through example.

showcased

Implies a presentation of the best aspects of something as an example.

embodied

Suggests the example is a tangible or concrete representation of a concept.

represented

Focuses on the example acting as a symbol or stand-in for something else.

mirrored

Implies a close resemblance or reflection of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "was an example of" in a sentence?

Use "was an example of" to connect a specific occurrence or instance to a broader concept or category. For example, "The company's innovative marketing campaign "was an example of" their commitment to creativity".

What are some alternatives to "was an example of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "illustrated", "demonstrated", "exemplified", or "served as an illustration of".

When is it appropriate to use "was an example of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to provide a specific instance that supports or clarifies a general point or idea. It helps make abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.

Is there a more concise way to express "was an example of"?

Yes, you can often use a single verb like "exemplified" or "illustrated" if the context is clear. For example, instead of "The painting was an example of abstract art", you could say "The painting illustrated abstract art".