11 Phrases for Asking for Examples
When something sounds abstract or confusing, a simple example can make it click. These 11 phrases for asking for examples help you request clarity politely and effectively—whether you’re in a classroom, team meeting, or casual conversation. Asking for examples isn’t a sign of confusion; it shows you’re engaged and eager to understand.
Common Ways to Say ‘Can You Give Me an Example?’
Polite & Direct
- Could you give me an example? The most common and universally polite request. Could you give me an example of how this strategy works in real life?
- Do you have an example of that? Neutral and practical—great for meetings or study groups. Do you have an example of that from last quarter’s campaign?
- Can you show me what that looks like? Visually oriented—ideal for design, writing, or instructions. Can you show me what that looks like in the final report?
- What’s a good example of…? Friendly and open—encourages a clear, relatable illustration. What’s a good example of passive voice in news articles?
Academic & Professional
- Could you illustrate that with an example? Formal and precise—common in lectures or presentations. Could you illustrate that with an example from your research?
- Would it be possible to see a real-world case? Respectful and solution-focused—great for business contexts. Would it be possible to see a real-world case where this tool improved efficiency?
- Can you walk me through an example? Requests a step-by-step breakdown—perfect for complex topics. Can you walk me through an example of how to fill out this form?
Casual & Conversational
- Like, what do you mean? Very informal—used among friends or peers. “It’s a cultural thing.” — “Like, what do you mean?”
- Can you give me a real-life example? Natural and relatable—bridges theory and practice. Can you give me a real-life example of when this rule applies?
- What does that actually look like? Seeks concrete application—common in creative or technical chats. What does that actually look like in the app interface?
- Help me understand—can you give an example? Humble and collaborative—shows willingness to learn. Help me understand—can you give an example of how feedback was handled?
Real-Life Dialogues
Student: I don’t get “metaphors.”
Teacher: Sure! What’s a good example of a metaphor?
Student: Like… “Time is a thief”?
Teacher: Exactly! Can you walk me through an example you’ve heard in a song?
Coworker: We need more “user-centric” designs.
You: Help me understand—can you give an example?
Coworker: Of course! What does that actually look like? Let me show you our login flow.
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom or lecture | Could you illustrate that with an example? | Formal, respectful, and academically appropriate. |
| Team meeting | Can you walk me through an example? | Practical and shows engagement with the process. |
| Casual conversation | Like, what do you mean? | Natural and commonly used—just keep it informal! |
| Clarifying abstract advice | What does that actually look like? | Turns vague ideas into tangible actions. |
Practice Tip
Next time someone explains something new, try asking, “Could you give me an example?”—it’s a simple phrase that unlocks deeper understanding!
Why This Matters
- Using these 11 phrases for asking for examples helps you grasp abstract ideas faster and avoid misunderstandings.
- It shows active listening and curiosity—traits valued in school, work, and social life.
- Native speakers constantly use examples to explain things—learning to request them makes your English more interactive and fluent.
Examples turn confusion into clarity—and asking for them is a smart, confident move. Try using one of these 11 phrases for asking for examples in your next conversation or class. You’ll understand more, remember better, and connect deeper. Happy learning! 😊
