for example

Meaning

This phrase is used to introduce a specific case, fact, or instance that supports or explains a general statement. It helps clarify complex academic concepts by providing concrete illustrations. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence, in the middle, or at the end, and is usually set off by commas.

Examples

• Many renewable energy sources, for example, wind and solar power, are becoming cheaper.

  Many renewable energy sources, for example, wind and solar power, are becoming cheaper.

• The country has many natural resources. For example, it is rich in copper and timber.

  The country has many natural resources. For example, it is rich in copper and timber.

• You can use various strategies to reduce stress; for example, regular exercise can help.

  You can use various strategies to reduce stress; for example, regular exercise can help.

• Some languages, for example Finnish, do not have grammatical gender.

  Some languages, for example Finnish, do not have grammatical gender.

• She has lived in several European cities—for example, Paris, Munich, and Madrid.

  She has lived in several European cities—for example, Paris, Munich, and Madrid.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ For example, like apples and oranges.

  ✓ For example, apples and oranges.

  'For example' and 'like' are redundant when used together to introduce the same illustration. Choose one or the other.

• ✗ There are many solutions to this problem, for example we can recycle more.

  ✓ There are many solutions to this problem; for example, we can recycle more.

  'For example' is a transition, not a conjunction. You cannot use it to join two independent clauses with just a comma. Use a semicolon or start a new sentence.

Related Expressions

Practice

• There are several ways to save water. ___, you can take shorter showers.

  💡 Used to introduce an illustrative case at the start of a sentence.

  Show answer

  For example

• Large mammals, ___ whales and elephants, have very long gestation periods.

  💡 Inserted mid-sentence to give specific instances.

  Show answer

  for example