only for example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only for example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific instance or illustration that is not exhaustive but serves to clarify a point. Example: "There are many ways to improve your writing skills, only for example, you could read more books or practice daily."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On still cameras, the longest clip can be only, for example, 12 or 30 minutes long.

The New York Times

If the left half only, for example, is illuminated for 10 milliseconds it produces a definite sensation of brightness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Current guidelines suggest imaging in the presence of symptoms only, for example, bone pain or fracture11, thus, restricting diagnosis to patients with debilitating or complicating metastases.

Nature

Each node on FreeNet knows only, for example, where the immediate upstream or downstream nodes are—and not the identity of the original requester.

The Economist

The sensitivity and resolving power of ERT depend on the type of acquisition methodology; operating from the ground surface only, for example, could lead to severe limitations in terms of resolution, thus limiting the quantitative utilisation from a hydrogeological perspective.

Journal of Applied Geophysics

And like cable television, satellite radio, for a monthly fee, gives the consumer scores of stations and specialized programming to choose from -- bluegrass music only, for example, or just comedy.

The New York Times - Travel

In the rare situations when we decide to identify someone by other than their full name, we do so in a straightforward manner by using a first name only, for example.

The Washington Post

By using the letterforms as elements of the picture, the author invites the reader to decipher what form constitutes a particular creature, and the design reveals that the representation can be accomplished in many ways -- not only, for example, through realistic rendering.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Belsky freely talked about the competition and noted that Sketch is MacOS-only, for example, and that in his view, none of the competitors can match XD's performance.

TechCrunch

"If we consider it, every human has a skin colour, so technically we are all coloured". Historically, the word is associated with segregation, especially in the US, where black people where kept separate from white people - on public transport, or at drinking fountains which were described as "coloured-only" for example.

BBC

Father-only, for example, was better than father plus stepmother).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only for example", ensure the example directly clarifies the point you're making. Avoid using it with examples that are tangential or require additional explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "only for example" in simple sentences where "for example" alone suffices. The addition of "only" can make the sentence sound redundant or slightly awkward. Instead, reserve it for situations where you specifically want to emphasize that you're providing one specific instance and not an exhaustive list.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only for example" functions as an introductory phrase to provide a specific instance that illustrates a broader point. It serves to clarify an idea by offering a concrete example. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only for example" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a specific instance that clarifies a broader point. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in written English. While versatile, it is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the example provided directly relates to and clarifies the point you are making. Be mindful of potential redundancy in simple sentences, where "for example" alone may suffice. Alternatives like "for instance only" or "just as an example" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for instance only

Reverses the order of the words, shifting the emphasis slightly but maintaining the core function of providing an example.

just as an example

Emphasizes the illustrative nature of the example being provided, indicating it's one of many possibilities.

as a single example

Highlights the singularity of the example, suggesting it's one specific case among others.

by way of illustration

A more formal way to introduce an example, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

to cite a single instance

Focuses on the act of citing a specific occurrence, implying a more deliberate selection of the example.

for one instance only

Stresses the limitation to a single case, useful when emphasizing specificity.

taking as an illustration

Highlights the process of choosing something to serve as an illustrative point.

merely as illustration

Underscores the limited scope of the example, clarifying it's not comprehensive.

simply for the sake of example

Emphasizes the purpose is solely for illustration without further implications.

as a unique instance

Highlights that an instance is unique for the scenario

FAQs

How can I use "only for example" in a sentence?

Use "only for example" to introduce a specific instance that clarifies a point. For instance, "Many fruits are rich in vitamins, "only for example", oranges contain high levels of vitamin C".

What alternatives can I use instead of "only for example"?

You can use alternatives like "for instance only", "just as an example", or "as a single example" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "only for example"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, "only for example" can sometimes be redundant if the "only" isn't adding specific emphasis. In many cases, "for example" alone is sufficient.

How does "only for example" differ from "for example"?

"Only for example" emphasizes that you are providing one specific instance and not a comprehensive list, whereas "for example" is a general introduction to an illustration.