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Prepositions with nouns

Of example or by example?

By example is the standard expression in phrases such as lead by example. Of example is uncommon and usually appears only in formal or fixed structures.

Quick answer

Which phrase sounds natural?

Use by example in expressions such as teach by example or lead by example. The phrase of example is rare in modern English and usually belongs to formal expressions like way of example.

Good managers lead by example.
Parents often teach by example rather than words.
The lawyer mentioned one case by way of example.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
by example

Showing learning or influence through actions

Use by example when actions demonstrate the behaviour others should follow.

She teaches by example every day.
The captain led by example during the match.
2
by way of example

Introducing an illustration

This formal phrase introduces a specific illustration or case.

He mentioned Italy by way of example.
3
example of + noun

Identifying a type or illustration

Use example of to describe what something illustrates.

This is an example of clear communication.
4
set an example for + person

Describing influence on others

Use set an example for when someone's behaviour influences another person or group.

Teachers should set an example for their students.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
by example
The coach leads by example.
Standard phrase meaning through actions or behaviour.
of example
The phrase by way of example is more natural than of example.
Not a common standalone combination in modern English.
example of
This is an example of good design.
Used to identify what something illustrates.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of example instead of by example

English uses by example in this meaning.

✕ She teaches of example. ✓ She teaches by example.

Confusing example of with by example

Example of identifies a category, while by example describes a method.

✕ He led example of courage. ✓ He led by example.

Omitting by in fixed expressions

The expression requires by.

✕ They learned example. ✓ They learned by example.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The manager prefers to lead ___ example.
2. This painting is an example ___ modern art.
3. She explained the rule ___ way of example.

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Frequently asked questions

Is by example a fixed expression?

Yes. It commonly appears in phrases such as lead by example and teach by example.

Can I use of example in everyday English?

Usually no. Modern English rarely uses it as a standalone combination.

What is the difference between by example and example of?

By example describes a method through actions. Example of identifies a category or illustration.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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