for the sake of example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the sake of example" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are providing an example to illustrate a point or situation. For example: "We need to be more efficient with our time management; for the sake of example, let's set an earlier deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Parameters and calculated results for this stage of analysis, assuming for the sake of example at a running speed of 8 m/s, are given in Table S1.

Nature

So long as damages are allowable in any civil case, by way of punishment or for the sake of example, the present, of all cases, would seem to be a most fit one for the award of such damages.

Harvard University

For the sake of example, my $TOP directory is on s141.millennium, at /scratch/quannguyen/noob, named so because I believe even a newbie at the command prompt should be able to complete this tutorial.

University of California, Berkeley

RIP eg, ie and etc. Henceforth the three abbreviated Latin phrases – which stand for exempli gratia (for the sake of example), id est (that is) and et cetera (and the rest) – will stop being used on Britain's.gov.uk websites.

The Guardian

In such cases, the plaintiff may thus recover punitive damages in addition to the actual damages for the sake of example and by way of further sanctioning the defendant.

Britannica

Parameters and calculated results for this part of the analysis, assuming for the sake of example that Caudipteryx was running at its estimated maximum speed of 8 m/s, are given in Table S1.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

E.g. comes from the Latin exempli gratia, meaning 'for the sake of example'.

Independent

Imagine, for the sake of illustration, an unrealistic example where the entire population fits into three different likeminded groups.

Princeton University

For the sake of illustration, several numerical examples are included.

Journal of the Egyptian Mathematical Society

For the sake of illustration (and using an Indian example) suppose that water-atoms are substances and that their only intrinsic property is wetness.

SEP

(In reality, there are more steps and more hormones involved in ovulation, but for the sake of illustration we can keep the example simple).

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the sake of example", ensure the example is relevant and clearly supports the point you are making. Avoid overly complex or confusing examples.

Common error

While useful, avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "for the sake of example". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the sake of example" functions as a transitional phrase. It signals to the reader that the subsequent information is being presented as a specific instance or hypothetical scenario intended to clarify a broader point. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for the sake of example" is a versatile tool for writers and speakers aiming to clarify their points. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including science, news, and academic writing. It serves as a transitional phrase that introduces a specific instance or hypothetical scenario to aid understanding. While common, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring examples are relevant and not overusing the phrase to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "for instance" or "by way of example" can also enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an illustration

Replaces "for the sake of example" with a shorter, more direct phrase indicating the provision of an illustrative instance.

by way of example

Offers a slightly more formal alternative, emphasizing that the following information serves as an instance.

for instance

A briefer, more common way to introduce a specific case to support a broader claim.

let's say

Introduces a hypothetical scenario, similar to setting up an example.

suppose that

Highlights the hypothetical nature of the following scenario.

to illustrate

A more concise way to indicate that an example will be provided to clarify a point.

consider this case

Draws attention to a specific scenario for analysis and understanding.

imagine that

Invites the audience to visualize a particular scenario for illustrative purposes.

as a hypothetical

Explicitly frames the subsequent scenario as theoretical, used to explain or analyze.

to give an idea

Indicates the introduction of an example intended to provide a clearer understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "for the sake of example" to introduce a hypothetical situation or scenario to clarify a point, as in, "For the sake of example, let's assume interest rates rise sharply."

What's a simpler way to say "for the sake of example"?

Alternatives include "for instance", "as an illustration", or simply "let's say", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "e.g." instead of "for the sake of example"?

While "e.g." (exempli gratia) also introduces an example, it's best used when providing a short, direct example, whereas "for the sake of example" is better for setting up a more extended or hypothetical scenario. Note that some sources discourage the use of Latin abbreviations.

When is it inappropriate to use "for the sake of example"?

Avoid using "for the sake of example" when the example is misleading, irrelevant, or doesn't genuinely support your argument. Ensure the example adds clarity, not confusion.