for instance like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for instance like" is not correct and is generally not usable in written English.
You can use "for instance" or "like" separately to provide examples, but combining them is redundant. Example: "There are many fruits that are high in vitamin C, for instance, oranges and kiwis."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Japan, for instance, like China, faces deflationary pressures.

The Economist

Devotees of the Ruby language, for instance, like KidsRuby or Ruby for Kids.

The New York Times - Tech

Things, for instance, like synching M.O.P.'s best song to old "Sesame Street" footage.

The New Yorker

Something, for instance, like government regulation of the market for health care?

The New York Times

Words that have "k" sounds, for instance, like pickle and cake and cucumber.

The New York Times

Microsoft has added new ways of playing games, for instance – like streaming games from Xbox.

Independent

People, for instance, like Jan and Ron Stanley, who sat wiping away tears after the performance.

The New York Times - Books

"Nadia Danon, for instance: like my teacher Zelda / she too died of cancer".

The New York Times - Books

"For which the French, for instance, like to stage a little piece of theatre.

The Guardian - Music

A failure, for instance, like the one that brought down Lehman Brothers nearly 11 months ago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thanks to social networks, for instance, like-minded individuals can stay in touch much more readily than they could in the past while they also have the tools in order to work together without being physically adjacent to each other.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the redundant phrase "for instance like". Choose either "for instance" or "like" to introduce examples for clearer and more grammatically sound writing.

Common error

Don't combine "for instance" and "like" as they both serve a similar function. Using both creates a redundant and awkward phrasing. Instead of saying "for instance like", choose one or the other depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for instance like" functions as an introductory phrase aimed at providing examples. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect due to redundancy, as both "for instance" and "like" serve a similar function. This is reflected in Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "for instance like" is relatively common, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to its redundancy. Ludwig identifies it as such and suggests using either "for instance", "like", or alternatives like "for example" or "such as" for clearer and more grammatically sound writing. While the phrase is used in a variety of contexts, it is best to avoid it in formal writing. This helps ensure clarity and maintain credibility in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for example

A more standard and grammatically accepted way to introduce an example.

such as

Introduces examples in a more concise and direct manner.

like

A simple way to give an example but can be less formal.

for example such as

Combines "for example" and "such as", but can be slightly redundant.

as an illustration

A more formal and elaborate way to introduce an example.

to illustrate

Highlights the purpose of giving an example.

to give an instance

Similar to "for instance" but slightly more verbose.

consider

Invites the reader to think about a specific example.

take for example

Similar to "for example", putting emphasis on the act of choosing an example.

e.g.

Abbreviation for "exempli gratia", used in formal writing.

FAQs

What is a better way to say "for instance like"?

You can use either "for instance", "for example", or simply "like" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is the phrase "for instance like" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "for instance like" is generally considered grammatically incorrect because it's redundant. "For instance" and "like" serve similar purposes in introducing an example; using them together is unnecessary.

When is it appropriate to use "for instance" or "like" separately?

"For instance" is suitable for more formal writing when you want to introduce a clear example. "Like" is appropriate in informal contexts when you want to give a quick example.

Are there other alternatives to "for instance like" that provide a similar function?

Yes, alternatives such as "such as", "to illustrate", or "to give an example" can be used to introduce examples in a sentence.