For instance means “for example”. It introduces an example and is used in the same way as for example. It helps you support a general point with a specific case: it fits an essay and sounds natural in conversation too. It can go at the start, in the middle or at the end of a sentence, separated by commas.
How would you use for instance?
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Sentence. For instance, + clause; …, for instance, … (mid-sentence); clause, for instance. (at the end)
- Some jobs are hard to automate. For instance, childcare requires patience and constant attention to each child.
- Small changes can cut your energy bills; switching off chargers at night, for instance, costs nothing.
- There's plenty to do here at the weekend. You could visit the old port, for instance.
What changed
First versionSome countries, as for instance Finland, offer free school meals to all children.
RevisionSome countries, for instance Finland, offer free school meals to all children.
It may seem that for instance needs as in front of it to introduce the example. But as is unnecessary here: for instance introduces the example by itself. As was removed, and everything else stayed the same.
Such as goes directly before example nouns, with no comma after it: sports such as tennis and golf. For instance is more flexible: it can start a new sentence or go in the middle between commas: Tennis, for instance, is very popular here.
Your turn
Public transport in my city has improved a lot. ___, there is now a night bus to the airport.
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For instance — The gap is at the start of a new sentence, and after the comma comes a full idea with a verb. An example like this is introduced by for instance. Such as goes inside a sentence, directly before nouns, and you can't start a separate sentence with it.
Write two sentences for an essay about how technology is changing everyday life. In the first, state a general idea; in the second, start with For instance and give a specific example.
Technology has changed the way people shop. For instance, many families now order groceries online and get them delivered within an hour.
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