for example

USAGE SUMMARY

"for example" is correct and very commonly used in written English.
You can use it to provide a specific example to support a claim or give clarity to a situation. For example, if you wanted to illustrate the power of a hurricane, you could say "Hurricanes can cause immense destruction, for example, the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example?

Forbes

Mandelson, for example".

Independent

Take Knossos, for example.

The New Yorker

Canniness, for example.

The New Yorker

Like "Ulysses", for example.

The Economist

For example, McAllen, Tex.

The New York Times

Inappropriate lovers, for example.

Independent

Take Pawlenty, for example.

The New Yorker

Take desserts, for example.

The New York Times - Tech

Take Birobidzhan, for example.

The New Yorker

For example: "Unhappy".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your introductory phrases for examples to avoid monotony. While "for example" is versatile, using alternatives like "for instance" or "such as" can improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "for example" to introduce elaborations or explanations that aren't actual instances. "For example" should precede a specific case, not a restatement of the original idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for example" functions as a transitional adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces a specific instance or illustration to clarify or support a broader statement. Examples from Ludwig show it preceding concrete cases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for example" is a versatile and common transitional phrase used to introduce specific instances that illustrate or support a general statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. The phrase functions to add clarity and specificity, making abstract ideas more tangible. While suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently found in news, media, and wiki sources. Remember to use "for example" correctly by ensuring the example directly supports your point and consider varying your introductory phrases to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for instance

Replaces "example" with "instance", indicating a specific occurrence used to illustrate a point.

such as

Provides a direct way to introduce examples without explicitly stating the purpose.

as an illustration

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more formal construction highlighting the illustrative purpose.

e.g.

A common abbreviation of the Latin "exempli gratia", offering a shortened, often more informal equivalent.

to illustrate

Offers a concise alternative focusing on the act of providing clarity through an example.

a case in point

Highlights that the following example is particularly relevant and supportive of the argument.

by way of example

Adds a slightly more elaborate phrasing to indicate the use of an example.

consider this

Shifts the focus to inviting the audience to contemplate a particular instance.

take the case of

Emphasizes the presentation of a specific situation as a representative example.

namely

Introduces specific examples or details that clarify a previous statement.

FAQs

How to use "for example" in a sentence?

"For example" is used to introduce a specific instance or illustration that supports a general statement. You can say, "Many fruits are rich in vitamins; "for example", oranges are high in vitamin C."

What can I say instead of "for example"?

You can use alternatives like "for instance", "such as", or "e.g." depending on the context.

Which is correct, "for example" or "for instance"?

Both "for example" and "for instance" are correct and can be used interchangeably to introduce an example. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.

What's the difference between "for example" and "in addition"?

"For example" introduces a specific case to illustrate a point, while "in addition" introduces extra information that supports or expands upon the original statement. They serve different purposes in structuring an argument.