example
example — noun
1. a thing, person, or situation that belongs to a particular group and shows what
a thing, person, or situation that belongs to a particular group and shows what other members of that group are like
The panda is a well-known example of a species that eats only bamboo.
well-known example of [category]
This bowl is a beautiful example of traditional Korean pottery from the 14th century.
beautiful example of [possessive noun phrase]
Minho's research provides clear examples of how urban development affects local wildlife.
These ancient tools are a classic example of human innovation during the Stone Age.
文法句型
a(n) [adjective] example of [noun phrase]
2. a particular sentence, problem, or piece of information that teachers or books u
a particular sentence, problem, or piece of information that teachers or books use to explain how something works or how to do something
The teacher gave us several examples to help us understand the new grammar rule.
gave [someone] examples to help [someone] understand
Can you show me an example of how to write a formal email in English?
show [someone] an example of how to [verb]
This dictionary uses real examples from news articles to show how words are used.
For homework we had to work through ten examples of quadratic equations.
- illustration
more formal; suggests an explanation through comparison or story
- demonstration
focuses on showing a process or skill in action
文法句型
give [someone] an example of [noun phrase]
show [someone] an example of how to [verb]
用法筆記
Very common in classroom settings and reference works. Often appears with verbs like 'give', 'provide', 'show', and 'use'.
常見錯誤
3. used in speech or writing to introduce a specific case that helps explain or sup
used in speech or writing to introduce a specific case that helps explain or support what you have just said
Many large Asian cities, for example Tokyo and Seoul, have excellent public transport systems.
for example [proper noun] and [proper noun] inside sentence
Rafael enjoys outdoor activities. For example, he goes hiking in the mountains every weekend.
For example at start of new sentence
You can reduce waste, for example by using reusable bags instead of plastic ones.
Some pets need lots of attention. Dogs, for example, need daily walks and play.
- for instance
identical meaning; slightly more formal in tone
文法句型
for example [noun phrase]
For example + [sentence]
[clause], for example + [gerund phrase]
常見錯誤
4. a person whose behaviour or way of living is seen as good and is therefore worth
a person whose behaviour or way of living is seen as good and is therefore worth copying by others
Ayana sets a good example for new nurses by staying calm with her patients.
sets a good example for [group]
Parents who read at home set a good example for their children naturally.
set a good example for [someone]
The coach told the team that Shanti was an example to all the other players.
Christopher set an example for the team by arriving early every day.
- role model
more specific; always refers to a person, especially someone in a public position
- model
broader; can refer to an abstract system or a person
- ideal
suggests a perfect standard that may be difficult to reach
- bad influence
someone whose behaviour others should avoid copying
文法句型
set a(n) [adjective] example for [someone]
be an example to [someone]
follow [someone's] example
常見錯誤
5. a punishment given to someone that is deliberately severe so that other people w
a punishment given to someone that is deliberately severe so that other people will be afraid to commit the same offence
The school principal made an example of the students who were caught vandalising the gym.
made an example of [someone] (disciplinary context)
The judge made an example of the company that ignored worker safety laws.
make an example of [company] (legal context)
Long prison terms for small crimes can serve as an example to the public.
The authorities made a public example of the officials caught taking bribes.
- deterrent
focuses on the punishment itself as a warning, rather than the person receiving it
文法句型
make an example of [someone]
example — verb
1. to be a perfect or typical example of a particular quality, type, or situation
to be a perfect or typical example of a particular quality, type, or situation
The Brooklyn Bridge exemplifies the best of 19th-century engineering and design.
[structure] exemplifies [abstract quality]
Roya's work with refugee children exemplifies the patience and kindness that the job requires.
[possessive noun] exemplifies [qualities] that [clause]
His behaviour at the meeting exemplifies exactly what we mean by professional conduct.
This painting exemplifies the bold use of colour that made the artist famous.
文法句型
[noun] exemplifies [noun phrase]
用法筆記
This verb is formal and far less common than the noun. In everyday conversation, use 'is a typical example of' instead.
2. to behave in a way that shows others how they should behave, especially by being
to behave in a way that shows others how they should behave, especially by being a good role model
Senior staff are expected to exemplify professional behaviour for their junior colleagues.
exemplify [behaviour] for [group]
By carefully sorting their waste, the Watanabe family exemplifies environmental responsibility to their neighbours.
exemplifies [abstract quality] to [group]
The mayor tried to exemplify honest leadership by refusing special treatment.
The school's new policy exemplifies fairness by treating all students equally.
- set an example
the more common everyday phrase; 'exemplify' is its formal equivalent
文法句型
[someone] exemplifies [behaviour] for [group]
用法筆記
Distinguish from Verb/1: Verb/1 means 'to be a representative case of something', while Verb/2 means 'to actively demonstrate the right behaviour for others to copy'.