multi-word verb phrase · neutral
set an example
UK/ˌsɛt ən ɪɡˈzɑːmpəl/US/ˌsɛt ən ɪɡˈzæmpəl/set·an·EX·ample
to behave in a way that others should copy; to be a role model
Examples
“Teachers should set an example by arriving on time.”
“Parents must set an example if they want children to eat healthily.”
“The CEO set an example by donating a month's salary to the fund.”
Band 8 sentence
“If policymakers hope to reduce corruption, they must set an example by demonstrating transparency at every level.”
Collocations
- set an example for
- set a good example
Word family
Common mistakes
set example→set an example
make an example→set an example
Say it for a higher band
5show→6lead by example→7+set an example
Synonyms
lead by example
be a role model
Easily confused
lead by example
“Good managers lead by example, showing the standards they expect.”
be a role model
“She became a role model for young athletes.”
Related words
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