what an example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what an example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express admiration or emphasis regarding a particular example that has been presented. Example: "After seeing the results of her project, I thought to myself, what an example of dedication and hard work!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

What an example these bishops set.

Independent

What an example he set.

The Guardian

What an example to the ship's company.

The Guardian - Travel

What an example for the rest of Africa.

The Economist

"What an example for anyone who wanted to coach.

The New York Times

What an example to set in a country where violence against women is widespread.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

What's an example of what they've discovered?

MIT Technology Review

What an awful example.

The Guardian - Sport

What an egregious example of corporate irresponsibility!

The New York Times

What do you mean by that, and what's an example that illustrates your point?

Forbes

What's an example?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what an example" to express admiration or highlight the significance of a particular action or situation. It's effective for conveying a strong positive sentiment.

Common error

While "what an example" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more nuanced or sophisticated alternatives like "a notable instance" or "a significant illustration" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what an example" functions as an exclamatory phrase used to express admiration or highlight the noteworthiness of a particular instance, action, or person. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what an example" is a common and grammatically correct exclamatory phrase used to express admiration or emphasize the significance of something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, although it’s slightly less formal, and it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using it, ensure that the context aligns with the positive sentiment you intend to convey, and consider more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional settings. Alternatives like "a shining example" or "a noteworthy case" can provide a similar meaning with a slightly different tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shining example

Highlights the clarity and positive nature of the example.

what a model

Focuses more directly on the idea of someone or something being a pattern to emulate.

a perfect illustration

Highlights the clarity and accuracy of the example.

an admirable instance

Directly expresses admiration for the example.

such an inspiration

Emphasizes the inspiring quality of the example.

a noteworthy case

Emphasizes the significance or interest of the example.

a testament to

Emphasizes the example as evidence or proof of something.

an exemplar

A more formal and sophisticated way to refer to a high-quality example.

a classic instance

Highlights the typical or representative nature of the example.

a case in point

More formal and directly indicates an illustrative instance.

FAQs

How can I use "what an example" in a sentence?

You can use "what an example" to express admiration or highlight the significance of someone's actions or a particular situation. For instance, "What an example he set for his students!" or "What an example of courage that was!"

What are some alternatives to "what an example"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "what a model", "shining example", or "admirable instance" to express a similar sentiment.

Is "what an example" formal or informal?

"What an example" is generally considered to be suitable for a wide range of contexts, but is slightly less formal. For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "a notable case" or "a significant illustration".

Is there a difference between "what an example" and "that's an example"?

"What an example" is an exclamation expressing admiration or emphasis, while "that's an example" is a statement simply identifying something as an instance of a broader category. The tone and purpose are significantly different.