For example introduces a specific case that supports a general point. It works equally well in an essay, an email to a colleague and a conversation. If every argument in an essay starts with For example, the text sounds repetitive, so vary it with for instance or a good example of this is.
How would you use for example?
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Sentence. For example, + sentence; noun, for example + noun, …; subject, for example, + verb
- Many jobs can now be done from home. For example, most software developers rarely need to visit the office.
- Some subjects, for example physics and chemistry, require a lot of work in the lab.
- We could meet somewhere quiet, for example that café near the station.
What changed
First versionSome sports, as for example tennis or skiing, are expensive to take up.
RevisionSome sports, for example tennis or skiing, are expensive to take up.
It is tempting to put as or like in front of for example, as if it needed help to introduce the case. But for example introduces the example by itself, so as is unnecessary here. It was removed, and nothing else changed. Choose one or the other: for example or such as.
Such as goes only before a noun, straight after the word it describes: sports such as tennis. For example is more flexible: it can start a new sentence and introduce a whole idea. I try to save money. For example, I take lunch to work every day. You can't build that second sentence with such as.
Your turn
Small habits can save a lot of money. ___, cooking at home instead of ordering food saves me about £100 a month.
Show the answer
For example — After the gap comes a full sentence with its own verb: cooking at home saves me about £100 a month. A sentence like this is introduced by For example. Such as doesn't start a sentence; it is followed directly by a noun: habits such as cooking at home.
Write two sentences for an essay about the benefits of online learning. In the first, state a general point; in the second, use For example to give a case from the life of someone you know.
Online courses let people study without changing their daily routine. For example, my sister completed a design course while working full-time at a bank.
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