Cool MateExample vs Paradigm
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Example
Paradigm
| Example | Paradigm | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzɑːmpl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmpl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈpær.ə.daɪm//🇺🇸 //ˈpær.ə.daɪm// |
| Meaning | A sample or model of something to show how it works. | A typical example or pattern of something. |
| Example | Please follow this example to complete your assignment. | The new theory shifted the scientific paradigm in biology. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, characteristic, classic, prime, give somebody, offer, provide (somebody with), demonstrate something, highlight something, illustrate something, for example, in an/the example, example of, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody, good, great, inspiring, set, show, follow, by example, example to, make an example of somebody | shift a paradigm, challenge a paradigm, establish a paradigm, scientific paradigm, dominant paradigm |
| Antonyms | counterexample, exception | anomaly, outlier |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'exemplary', which means perfect or model., Using 'example' in plural without 'examples' when talking about multiple cases., Mispronouncing it as 'egg-zample' instead of 'ig-zample'. | Confused with 'parody' — don't mix up meanings., Incorrectly used in place of 'paradise' — check the meaning., Mispronounced due to unfamiliar syllables. |
| Usage notes | Use 'example' when illustrating a point or providing a representation. It's suitable in most contexts, but avoid in very casual situations where simpler words may be more appropriate. | Used in academic and professional contexts; less appropriate in casual conversation. Common in discussions about theories or models. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Example vs Paradigm
What's the difference between Example and Paradigm?
Example: A sample or model of something to show how it works. Paradigm: A typical example or pattern of something.
Which is more formal: Example and Paradigm?
Paradigm is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Example and Paradigm?
Example is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Example and Paradigm?
Paradigm is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Example and Paradigm the same CEFR level?
Example: A1, Paradigm: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Example: Please follow this example to complete your assignment. Paradigm: The new theory shifted the scientific paradigm in biology.
Can I use Example and Paradigm interchangeably?
Not always. Example and Paradigm are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.