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How to say it · Linking words

Giving an example

You made a general point and now you want to show it with a real case. Pick the word that fits the room and the grammar that comes after it.

5 ways to say it

Quick answer

Use for example anywhere, such as before a list or noun, and like only in casual speech.

A market seller lifts one apple out of a full fruit basket to show a boy an example.
How formalCasual, spokenFormal, written
likechattyfor examplebest defaultfor instancesecond examplesuch asessay styleincludingpart of the whole

Way 1 · chatty

like

Introduces examples in speech. + a noun or a short list. Weak in formal writing.

How formalVery casual, spoken
ToneCasual
Use itWith friends

Examples

I enjoy sports like tennis and swimming.

She cooks food like curry and noodles.

In a conversation

A: What do you do at weekends?
B: Easy things, like walking or seeing friends.

Common mistake

Not: Many cities have problems like traffic, pollution, etc.

Say: Many cities have problems such as traffic and pollution.

Avoid "like" in an essay, and do not end a list with "etc." after "like" or "such as".

Practice saying this
Next: for example

Way 2 · best default

for example

Introduces an example, a noun or a full sentence. At the start of a new sentence, put a comma after it.

How formalCasual, spoken
ToneNeutral
Use itAnywhere

Examples

Some jobs are changing. For example, shops now use self-checkouts.

I like quiet hobbies, for example reading.

In a conversation

A: What do you mean, it's busy?
B: For example, I worked through lunch today.

Common mistake

Not: I like fruit, for example I eat apples every day.

Say: I like fruit. For example, I eat apples every day.

Put a full stop before "For example" when a full sentence follows. Add a comma after it.

Practice saying this
Next: for instance

Way 3 · second example

for instance

Same job as "for example", slightly more careful. + a full sentence, with a comma after it.

How formalMiddle
ToneNeutral
Use itAnywhere

Examples

Prices are rising. For instance, bread costs 20% more than last year.

Some habits help. For instance, I never check my phone after ten.

In a conversation

A: Why do you like your new manager?
B: She listens. For instance, she asked for my ideas on day one.

Practice saying this
Next: such as

Way 4 · essay style

such as

Names examples inside a sentence. + a noun or a list, never a full sentence.

How formalFormal, written
ToneFormal
Use itAt work

Examples

The city has problems such as noise and traffic.

Fruits such as mangoes and papayas grow well here.

Common mistake

Not: Some jobs are changing, such as drivers may lose work.

Say: Some jobs, such as driving, are changing.

"Such as" is followed by a noun or a list, not by a subject and a verb.

Practice saying this
Next: including

Way 5 · part of the whole

including

Names some members of a group you already counted. + a noun or a list.

How formalFormal, written
ToneNeutral
Use itAt work

Examples

The team has twelve members, including two interns.

Everyone came, including my grandmother.

In a conversation

A: Who is coming to the party?
B: Lots of people, including your old boss.

Practice saying this
Test yourself: which would you say?
Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

likefor examplefor instancesuch as

More moments like this

Contrasting two ideas