24 Other Ways to Say “For Example”
“For example” is one of those everyday phrases that we tend to use over and over, especially when we’re trying to explain or illustrate a point. Whether you’re writing an essay, sending an email, or just chatting with a friend, “for example” helps you introduce something that supports or clarifies what you’re talking about. But repeating it too much can make your writing or speech feel dull or repetitive.
That’s where having a variety of alternatives comes in handy. This article explores 24 different ways to say “for example,” giving you the flexibility to communicate your ideas more clearly, more creatively, and with a better sense of tone, depending on your audience or context.
Other Ways to Say “For Example”
1. Such as
Example: “I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.”
Meaning: Introduces specific instances that fall under a broader category.
Usage: Very common in both speech and writing; useful for casual, educational, and even formal communication.
2. Like
Example: “You should eat more fiber-rich foods like oats, lentils, and apples.”
Meaning: Used to show similarity or introduce examples from a broader category.
Usage: Widely used in informal speech and casual writing, but may not be ideal for academic work.
3. To illustrate
Example: “To illustrate this point, let’s consider a real-world scenario.”
Meaning: Sets up an explanation that will clarify or exemplify a previous statement.
Usage: More formal than “for example,” and especially useful in essays and presentations.
4. For instance
Example: “Some birds migrate thousands of miles; for instance, the Arctic tern travels from the Arctic to the Antarctic.”
Meaning: Offers one or more specific cases that demonstrate a larger idea.
Usage: Interchangeable with “for example,” but slightly more formal and often preferred in academic or professional writing.
5. Namely
Example: “Several employees missed the meeting, namely Sarah, Thomas, and Rachel.”
Meaning: Specifies particular names or items from a previous generalization.
Usage: Best used when you want to highlight a few specific elements that were just mentioned.
6. In particular
Example: “She loves desserts—in particular, chocolate cake and lemon tart.”
Meaning: Emphasizes a specific item or case within a larger set.
Usage: Useful when you want to draw attention to specific elements of a broader topic.
7. Case in point
Example: “Many apps can be distracting. A case in point is social media platforms like Instagram.”
Meaning: Provides a specific example that supports or proves a previously made point.
Usage: Often used in persuasive writing or discussions to strengthen an argument.
8. Including
Example: “He brought several snacks, including chips, fruit, and cookies.”
Meaning: Lists specific examples within a broader category.
Usage: Informal to neutral tone; great for listing elements without full elaboration.
9. As an illustration
Example: “As an illustration of climate change, consider the rising global temperatures over the past decade.”
Meaning: Introduces a visual or conceptual representation that aids understanding.
Usage: Slightly more formal, best suited for explanatory or instructional content.
10. In other words
Example: “She’s introverted—in other words, she finds large social gatherings draining.”
Meaning: Clarifies or rephrases something to make it easier to understand.
Usage: Especially helpful when simplifying or restating a concept with an example.
11. Let’s say
Example: “Let’s say you’re planning a trip—what kind of activities would you include?”
Meaning: Sets up a hypothetical scenario to help explain or explore a concept.
Usage: Very casual and conversational; great for blog posts, discussions, or presentations.
12. As proof
Example: “He’s an expert in his field—as proof, look at the number of patents he holds.”
Meaning: Provides evidence to support a statement or claim.
Usage: Works well when you want to show credibility or validation through an example.
13. To give you an idea
Example: “The restaurant is incredibly busy—to give you an idea, there’s usually a 2-hour wait on weekends.”
Meaning: Helps the listener or reader visualize the scale or nature of something through a relevant example.
Usage: Best used in conversational or informal contexts where you want to paint a clear picture.
14. Suppose
Example: “Suppose you had a million dollars—how would you invest it?”
Meaning: Introduces a hypothetical situation that clarifies or explores a broader point.
Usage: Common in both casual and professional discussions, particularly useful in hypothetical reasoning.
15. Let me show you
Example: “Let me show you what I mean using this chart.”
Meaning: Directly introduces a demonstration, example, or visual that reinforces an idea.
Usage: Especially effective in presentations or tutorials where engagement matters.
16. Take X, for example
Example: “Take cats, for example—they’re independent but still affectionate pets.”
Meaning: Highlights a specific case or element to support a general point.
Usage: Informal to semi-formal tone; often used in writing that balances clarity with style.
17. Imagine
Example: “Imagine trying to navigate a foreign country without knowing the language.”
Meaning: Invites the reader or listener to picture a situation that reinforces a concept.
Usage: A storytelling tool often used in blog writing, speeches, or teaching.
18. Consider
Example: “Consider the environmental impact of single-use plastics.”
Meaning: Asks the reader to reflect on a case that supports or illustrates a statement.
Usage: Useful in persuasive and formal writing when urging deeper thought or analysis.
19. Notably
Example: “Several factors contributed to the downturn, notably the rise in oil prices.”
Meaning: Highlights a specific and important example within a larger group.
Usage: Common in journalism, research, and professional writing.
20. As evidence
Example: “The campaign was effective—as evidence, consider the 40% increase in donations.”
Meaning: Provides a specific piece of information that validates a broader statement.
Usage: Ideal when you need to support a claim with factual backing.
21. An example being
Example: “Some mammals can glide—an example being the flying squirrel.”
Meaning: Introduces a specific example after a general statement.
Usage: Best suited for informative and explanatory writing.
22. Demonstrated by
Example: “His dedication is demonstrated by the number of hours he volunteers each month.”
Meaning: Points to an action or fact that shows a larger idea or trait.
Usage: Well-suited for persuasive writing, particularly when showing cause and effect.
23. Exemplified by
Example: “Her leadership style is exemplified by her ability to motivate and inspire.”
Meaning: Uses a case or person to serve as a typical example of a certain trait or idea.
Usage: More formal, appropriate in professional and academic contexts.
24. Think of
Example: “Think of a time you were overwhelmed—that’s how stress can affect your decision-making.”
Meaning: Encourages personal reflection to better understand a concept.
Usage: Ideal in conversational writing or speeches where emotional engagement is key.
When to Use Different “For Example” Alternatives
In Professional Settings
In formal emails, presentations, or corporate reports, it’s better to choose alternatives that maintain clarity and professionalism, such as “to illustrate,” “as evidence,” or “consider.” These phrases carry a tone of authority while still guiding the reader toward a clear understanding.
In Everyday Conversations
When speaking informally or writing casually—like in blog posts, social media, or everyday chats—more relaxed phrases like “like,” “let’s say,” or “think of” make your message feel more natural and relatable without sounding too stiff or formal.
In Academic or Research Contexts
Precision and credibility are key in research and academic writing. Expressions like “exemplified by,” “demonstrated by,” “such as,” and “as proof” help establish a well-supported argument with specific, evidence-based examples that back up your claims.
Conclusion
While “for example” is a solid and universally understood phrase, relying on it exclusively can make your writing or speech sound repetitive or overly simplistic. By expanding your vocabulary and learning when to use different alternatives, you’ll be able to communicate your ideas more vividly, more clearly, and with the right tone for the right situation.
Whether you’re working on a professional report, crafting an engaging blog post, or explaining something to a friend, these alternatives will help you illustrate your points more effectively.
FAQs
What is the purpose of saying “for example”?
“To give clarity or support to a general statement by providing a specific case, instance, or illustration that makes the original idea easier to understand.”
Is “for instance” the same as “for example”?
Yes, they’re often interchangeable, though “for instance” might sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.
Can I use “like” instead of “for example”?
In casual speech or informal writing, yes. But in formal writing or academic contexts, “such as” or “to illustrate” is usually more appropriate.
What’s a creative way to replace “for example” in storytelling?
Try “imagine,” “let’s say,” or “think of”—they help pull the reader into the scenario with a more narrative tone.
