set a good example

Meaning

This expression means to behave in a way that other people, especially children or subordinates, should copy. It is used in family, educational, and professional contexts to encourage positive leadership and behavior. The tone is neutral and supportive.

Examples

• As the oldest sibling, you need to set a good example for your younger brother.

  As the oldest sibling, you need to set a good example for your younger brother.

• Our manager always sets a good example by arriving on time and staying focused.

  Our manager always sets a good example by arriving on time and staying focused.

• Parents try to set a good example by eating healthy food and exercising regularly.

  Parents try to set a good example by eating healthy food and exercising regularly.

• I'm trying to set a good example for the new interns by keeping my workspace organized.

  I'm trying to set a good example for the new interns by keeping my workspace organized.

• Teachers have a responsibility to set a good example both inside and outside the classroom.

  Teachers have a responsibility to set a good example both inside and outside the classroom.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He made a good example for his kids.

  ✓ He set a good example for his kids.

  The standard collocation is 'set an example,' not 'make an example.' 'Make an example of someone' means to punish them publicly.

• ✗ You should set a good example to your team.

  ✓ You should set a good example for your team.

  We use the preposition 'for' to indicate the people who should follow the behavior, not 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• As a team leader, you need to ___ for everyone else.

  💡 Behave in a way that others should copy.

  Show answer

  set a good example

• She always tries to ___ by recycling and reducing waste.

  💡 Show positive behavior for others to follow.

  Show answer

  set a good example