“For example” is a phrase you might often use in your writing. Below, we’ll share nine formal and informal alternatives that you can use instead.
For example is a phrase often found in essays, articles, and many other types of texts. It’s used to introduce or emphasize something that supports what you’re writing about. This phrase can be found in the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Many movies were adapted from books. For example, The Wizard of Oz was a popular novel before it hit the big screen.
Many movies were adapted from books. The Wizard of Oz, for example, was a popular novel before it hit the big screen.
Many movies were adapted from books—The Wizard of Oz was a popular novel before it hit the big screen, for example.
When at the beginning of a sentence, for example should be followed by a comma. In the middle of a sentence, a comma should be placed before and after. And when for example is at the end of a sentence, a comma is only needed before.
When you’re writing, you may find yourself using this phrase often. If you’re looking for alternatives, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re going to give you nine alternatives and let you know if they’re better suited for formal or casual writing.
Not every alternative can be used exactly like for example. Because of that, it’s important to keep in mind that using some of the alternatives listed below might require restructuring the sentence a bit. We’ll show you how to do this with the examples.
For instance is a near-identical synonym to for example. This phrase is used to introduce an example that helps illustrate your point. It’s used the same way as for example.
There are many things I like about hiking. For example, the exercise plus the views I encounter keep me coming back!
There are many things I like about hiking. For instance, the exercise plus the views I encounter keep me coming back!
Best for: More often seen in formal writing, but can also be used in informal writing.
Namely helps present a specific example.
Your work has been extremely beneficial to this company. For example, your sales have brought in record profits.
Your work has been extremely beneficial to this company, namely your sales that have brought in record profits.
Best for: Formal writing
To give you an idea helps your readers visualize and conceptualize the point you are trying to make.
The brain is extremely powerful. For example, some studies have shown that visualization can indeed help you reach your goals.
The brain is extremely powerful. To give you an idea, some studies have shown that visualization can indeed help you reach your goals..
Best for: Mostly used in informal writing, but can sometimes be used in formal writing.
This phrase is typically found in professional and academic settings. If you like this option, but want something more concise, you can try to illustrate instead.
Many inventions changed the course of human history. For example, the printing press allowed for the rapid and widespread circulation of knowledge and news.
Many inventions changed the course of human history. By way of illustration, the printing press allowed for the rapid and widespread circulation of knowledge and news.
Best for: Formal writing
In particular helps point out a specific example. This phrase can be at the beginning of a sentence (with a comma after) or at the end of a sentence (with no comma preceding it).
There are many things I enjoyed when I traveled to Italy. For example, I loved trying various kinds of pasta.
There are many things I enjoyed when I traveled to Italy. In particular, I loved trying the various kinds of pasta.
There are many things I enjoyed when I traveled to Italy. I loved trying the various kinds of pasta in particular.
Best for: Formal and informal writing
This phrase is similar to for example except that it makes it clear you are introducing multiple examples. Examples include is always found at the beginning of a sentence.
Some animals mate for life—beavers, gray wolves, and bald eagles, for example.
Some animals mate for life. Examples include beavers, gray wolves, and bald eagles.
Best for: Formal and informal writing
This abbreviation comes from Latin and means “exempli gratia,” which means “for the sake of the example.” The abbreviation e.g. is always separated by commas or parentheses and is always lowercase. If you’re putting it within parentheses, the abbreviation must still be followed by a comma.
Some dogs are considered hypoallergenic. Take Poodles, for example.
Some dogs are considered hypoallergenic, e.g., Poodles.
Some dogs are considered hypoallergenic (e.g., Poodles).
Best for: Formal writing
Such as is another alternative that helps illustrate or emphasize a certain point.
Disney has many classic movies—Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King, for example.
Disney has many classic movies such as Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King.
Best for: Informal writing
This alternative is perfect for professional and academic settings. There are two ways it could be used:
Countless people go undiagnosed for years. For example, William was diagnosed 15 years after his symptoms first appeared.
Countless people go undiagnosed for years. Case in point: William was diagnosed 15 years after his symptoms first appeared.
Countless people go undiagnosed for years. A case in point is William, who was diagnosed 15 years after his symptoms first appeared.
Best for: Formal writing
For example and other alternatives like it help enhance the flow of your text. They serve as a marker that informs your readers that what you write next helps prove or support your message.
Another important factor to consider when writing is spelling and grammar. Typos and mistakes can discredit you as a writer. To avoid this, try using LanguageTool as your writing assistant. This multilingual text editor checks your text as you write and works with several programs. Try it for free today.
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Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English. With a passion for creating art with words, she spends her free time reading and writing. And no, we didn’t force her to say that. You can find her strolling the shorelines with her loyal canine companion, Mango, or (painfully) cheering on her favorite team, the Miami Dolphins.
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