for purposes of example

USAGE SUMMARY

"for purposes of example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an example which supports or illustrates something you have just mentioned in your writing. For example, "Cats are skilled hunters; for purposes of example, one study showed that house cats catch an average of 2 mice a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

More sample text here, not useful for purposes of example, describing the people involved and the management structure.

Bplans

Person 1: More sample text here, not useful for purposes of example, describing the people involved and the management structure.

Bplans

Person 4: More sample text here, not useful for purposes of example, describing the people involved and the management structure.

Bplans

Person 3: More sample text here, not useful for purposes of example, describing the people involved and the management structure.

Bplans

Person 2: More sample text here, not useful for purposes of example, describing the people involved and the management structure.

Bplans

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

For purposes of illustration, consider the following example.

Columbia University

The specific reference to data collected in a "clinical trial"—as opposed to in human-subject research more generally may not encompass information collected for purposes of, for example, pharmacoeconomic or outcomes research, or for purposes such as identifying clinical trial participants.

Columbia University

For purposes of this example, we'll assume you've chosen Dropbox.

HuffPost

As is shown in Table 9, most systems transmit data (88%), for example, for purposes of data analysis, forwarding, or storage.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

For purposes of comparison, Table 1 shows example mean scores (and ranges where available) from healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia tested in previous larger-scale studies.

Consciousness and Cognition

"It was for the purpose of example," Ms. Buchan said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for purposes of example", ensure the example clearly illustrates the point you are making. Avoid overly complex or tangential examples that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "for purposes of example" within a single piece of writing. Vary your introductory phrases with alternatives like "for instance" or "as an illustration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for purposes of example" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce an illustrative instance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It sets the stage for a specific case that clarifies or supports a broader statement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

Wiki

40%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for purposes of example" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce an illustration, though Ludwig indicates its usage is not very common. It serves to clarify and enhance understanding by providing a concrete instance. It's deemed acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, as seen from a mix of sources like science, wikis and news media. While effective, overuse should be avoided by employing alternative phrases. Its slightly more formal tone makes it suitable for contexts where clarity and precision are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of illustration

Emphasizes the illustrative purpose of the example.

by way of example

Changes the prepositional structure while maintaining similar meaning.

take for example

Inverts the structure while retaining similar intent.

for instance

Offers a more direct and common way to introduce an example.

as a case in point

Highlights the example as a particularly relevant instance.

as an illustration

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise option.

to exemplify

Uses a verb form to indicate the provision of an example.

to demonstrate

Uses a verb form focusing on the demonstration aspect of the example.

consider this

Directly introduces an example for consideration.

let's say

Introduces a hypothetical example.

FAQs

How can I use "for purposes of example" in a sentence?

Use "for purposes of example" to introduce a specific instance that clarifies or supports a general statement. For instance, you might say, "Dogs are loyal animals; for purposes of example, my neighbor's dog saved him from a fire."

What are some alternatives to "for purposes of example"?

You can use alternatives like "for instance", "as an illustration", or "by way of example" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "for purposes of example" or "for example"?

"For purposes of example" is slightly more formal than the simpler "for example". The choice depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "for purposes of example" instead of "for instance"?

While both introduce examples, "for instance" is generally more common and versatile. Use "for purposes of example" when you want to emphasize the deliberate and illustrative nature of the example being provided.