for instances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for instance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to give an example that supports a statement. For example, "The animals at the zoo are fascinating to observe - for instance, the giant pandas play for hours on end."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It lambasts DfID for instances of corruption that no external aid agency could possibly control.

The Guardian

"We just look for instances like this to change the game.

The New York Times - Sports

He looked for instances of manifest unfairness and developed software to remedy it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like for instances this new B-29, well, that would be about waist 52, length 38".

The New Yorker

The landscapes, recipes and portraits in this book are all "for instances," Mayes warns us.

The New York Times - Books

Grim and closed off, the Haverfordwest community was known for instances of spectacular racism.

The New Yorker

Then, the researchers looked for instances in which mothers and daughters bred simultaneously.

The New York Times - Science

For instances, she spoke of prohibiting voting by uneducated immigrants and referred to Indians as savages.

The New York Times

For instances, the opaque data typically contains the user's response to the job.

University of California, Berkeley

Blind case studies, for instances, are a completely classic corporate style of writing.

The New York Times

Recall elections, however, should be reserved for instances of nefarious activity, not unpopular legislation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for instances", ensure the examples provided directly support the statement you're illustrating. Avoid vague or tangential examples.

Common error

Avoid using "for instances" when only providing a single example. In such cases, "for instance" is the correct form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for instances" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically to introduce one or more examples. This can be seen in Ludwig, where many examples demonstrate this introductory role. It is typically followed by a comma and then the examples themselves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for instances" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce one or more examples that support a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts. While it's prevalent in scientific, news, and academic writing, more formal contexts may prefer "for example" for similar purpose. When using "for instances", ensure the examples provided directly illustrate the point you're making, and avoid using it when only a single example is given.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for example

More common and often preferred in formal writing; it directly introduces a specific instance illustrating a general point.

as a case in point

Highlights a specific instance that strongly supports the preceding statement.

as an illustration

More formal and emphasizes the illustrative nature of the example.

by way of example

More formal and slightly more emphatic than "for example".

to illustrate

Similar in function but sets up a clause introducing the example.

to give an instance

More verbose and formal, emphasizing a specific occurrence.

such as

Introduces a list of examples without necessarily highlighting a specific instance.

take the case of

Focuses on a particular situation as a representative example.

consider

Directs the reader to think about a specific case as an example.

namely

Introduces something specific to clarify a previous statement.

FAQs

How to use "for instances" in a sentence?

The phrase "for instances" introduces examples that support a preceding statement. You can use alternatives like "for example", "such as", or "to illustrate" depending on the desired level of formality and the number of examples.

What can I say instead of "for instances"?

Alternatives to "for instances" include "for example", "as an illustration", and "by way of example". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

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

"For instance" is used when providing a single example, while "for instances" is used when providing multiple examples. However, "for example" is often preferred in formal writing, regardless of the number of examples.

What's the difference between "for instances" and "for example"?

"For instances" is less common and implies multiple examples will follow. "For example" is more versatile and can be used whether you are giving one or more examples, and it's typically preferred.