example
A1Neutral, suitable for all registers from informal to formal academic use.
Definition
Meaning
A specific case, instance, or illustration that demonstrates a general rule, concept, or quality.
Something or someone used as a model to imitate or as a warning; a precedent; a typical specimen.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can function as both a concrete instance ('an example of Gothic architecture') and an abstract model for behavior ('set a good example'). It implies representativeness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'For example' is universally common, though 'e.g.' is slightly more frequent in formal American writing. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical in core meaning. In educational contexts, 'worked example' is common in both, but 'sample problem' may be slightly more American.
Frequency
Extremely high and virtually identical frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
give [someone] an example of [something]set an example for [someone]take [something] as an examplefollow the example of [someone]serve as an example to [someone]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make an example of someone”
- “for example (e.g.)”
- “to set a good/bad example”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to illustrate best practices, case studies, or market trends.
Academic
Fundamental for providing evidence, illustrating theories, or demonstrating methods.
Everyday
Used to clarify a point in conversation, give instructions, or discuss behavior.
Technical
Used in documentation, coding (as in 'code example'), and to demonstrate processes or outputs.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The Victoria and Albert Museum is a splendid example of Victorian architecture.
- The headteacher made an example of the troublemakers by giving them detention.
- Could you give me an example of how this formula is applied?
American English
- The Empire State Building is a classic example of Art Deco design.
- The coach made an example of the player who skipped practice.
- Let me provide an example from the dataset to clarify the trend.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is an example.
- Look at the example.
- For example, a cat is an animal.
- She is a good example.
- The teacher gave us several examples to help us understand the grammar rule.
- He set a bad example for his younger brother by arriving late.
- Many European cities, for example Paris and Rome, are popular with tourists.
- The recent scandal serves as a cautionary example of what happens when oversight fails.
- To illustrate my point, let me cite a specific example from last year's financial report.
- His dedication to charity work is an exemplar that we should all aspire to follow.
- The philosopher used the allegory of the cave as a paradigmatic example of epistemological limitation.
- This case is not an isolated incident but rather symptomatic of a systemic failure, exemplifying the need for comprehensive reform.
- The novel stands as the quintessential example of magical realism in 20th-century literature.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EX-AMPLE' sounds like 'X marks a sample' – an 'X' marks a specific spot or sample to look at.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN EXAMPLE IS A MODEL (to be followed or avoided); AN EXAMPLE IS A SPECIMEN (representing a larger category).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'образец' (sample/standard) which is more about a physical model. 'Example' is broader. The phrase 'for example' directly translates to 'например', but be careful with 'set an example' which is 'подавать пример'. Avoid calquing 'on the example of' from 'на примере'; use 'following the example of' or 'as shown by'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sample' and 'example' interchangeably ('He gave a good sample' is wrong for behavior). Misspelling as 'exemple'. Incorrect preposition: 'example about' instead of 'example of'. Using 'for example' without a comma after it in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is NOT a correct collocation with 'example'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'example' is used to illustrate a rule or concept, often for explanation or imitation. A 'sample' is a small part intended to show the quality or nature of the whole, often in a physical or statistical context (e.g., a blood sample, a free sample).
'e.g.' is the abbreviation for the Latin 'exempli gratia', meaning 'for example'. It is used to introduce one or more examples that illustrate a preceding statement. It should be followed by a comma in American English and often placed within parentheses or commas.
Both are acceptable, but 'for' is more common in modern usage ('set an example for his colleagues'). 'To' is slightly more formal or archaic ('an example to us all').
Rarely and archaically. The modern equivalent is 'exemplify'. Using 'example' as a verb (e.g., 'He exampled this principle...') is considered non-standard and should be avoided.
Collections
Part of a collection
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.