for example why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for example why" is not correct and usable in written English as it lacks clarity and proper structure.
It could be used in a context where you are trying to provide a reason or explanation, but it needs to be rephrased for better understanding. Example: "There are many reasons to consider this approach, for example, why it is more efficient than traditional methods."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"For example, why not 120?

The New York Times

For example, why did St.

The New York Times

For example, why such primitive attacks?

The Guardian - Opinion

For example, why is there sometimes an extra chair?

The New Yorker

For example: why cast Ms. Fawcett in the lead?

The New York Times

For example: "Why did Barack Obama cross the road?

The Economist

For example, why was a freedom struggle necessary?

The Economist

He wasn't asked, for example, why his paper has no page 2 corrections column.

The Guardian

For example, why are law and statute paired (ine 7) with custom?

The Guardian - Opinion

For example, why upload to the web the newspaper's exclusive in-depth splash?

The Guardian

For example, why was my father aggressive with staff and residents, but not with us?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a question after an example, consider using a more complete phrase such as "For example, what is the reason...?" or "For example, why is it that...?" to improve clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid directly following "for example" with "why" as it creates an abrupt and somewhat ungrammatical transition. Instead, rephrase to include a more complete question structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for example why" serves as a transitional phrase introducing a question that relates to a preceding example. However, it's often grammatically incomplete and requires rephrasing for clarity. Ludwig AI identifies this as grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for example why" is a commonly used but grammatically questionable construction. While it appears frequently across various sources, including news media, science, and encyclopedias, it is often considered grammatically incorrect due to its abrupt transition between example and question. As Ludwig AI points out, it's better to rephrase for clarity and grammatical correctness. Alternatives like "For example, what is the reason...?" or "For example, why is it that...?" offer more complete and grammatically sound options, improving the overall quality of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for example, what is the reason

Changes "why" to "what is the reason", offering a more explicit and grammatically correct structure.

for example, what are the reasons

Similar to the previous phrase, but allows for multiple reasons to be introduced, clarifying the intent.

for example, what's the reason

A contraction of "what is the reason", making it slightly more informal but still grammatically sound.

for example, why is it that

Adds "is it that" to provide a more common and acceptable way to introduce a question after an example.

for example, the reason is

Shifts the focus to providing the reason rather than asking a question, implying an explanation will follow.

for example, a possible reason is

Introduces a possible reason, suggesting a hypothesis or explanation.

for example, to illustrate why

Specifies the purpose of the example is to illustrate the reason behind something.

for instance, why

Replaces "for example" with "for instance", offering a synonym but retaining the questionable "why".

for example, the question is why

Explicitly frames the "why" as a question, making the structure more direct.

as an example, why

Replaces "for example" with "as an example", maintaining a similar function.

FAQs

How can I properly ask a question after providing an example?

Instead of using the phrase "for example why", which is grammatically awkward, try using phrases like "For example, what is the reason...?", "For example, "why is it that"...?", or "As an example, could you explain why...?".

Is it grammatically correct to say "for example why"?

While commonly found, directly following "for example" with "why" is not considered grammatically sound. It's better to rephrase to include a more complete question structure.

What are some alternative phrases to "for example why" that I can use in my writing?

Consider using alternatives such as "For example, what's the reason?", "For example, "a possible reason is"...", or "For example, to illustrate "why"...". These offer clearer and more grammatically correct transitions.

What's the difference between "for example why" and "for instance why"?

The phrase "for instance" is a synonym for "for example", so replacing "for example" with "for instance" doesn't correct the underlying grammatical issue. Both phrases are awkward when directly followed by "why". Use more complete phrases to improve clarity.