Examples in linguistics illustrate how language functions in various contexts. For instance, the study of phonetics examines the sounds of speech, while syntax focuses on sentence structure. These examples help linguists understand how different languages convey meaning and how they are structured. Another area of interest is semantics, which explores the meaning of words and phrases. For example, the word "bank" can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river, demonstrating how context influences interpretation. Such examples are crucial for analyzing language use and communication patterns across cultures.