13 Ways to Give Examples (e.g., “For instance”)
Using examples makes your English clearer, more relatable, and easier to follow. Whether you’re explaining an idea in class, writing an email, or chatting with friends, these 13 ways to give examples help you illustrate your point smoothly and naturally. Move beyond “for example” and sound fluent, confident, and engaging!
Common Ways to Say ‘For Example’
Formal & Academic
- For example,… The most common and versatile phrase—works everywhere. Many cities struggle with traffic. For example, Mumbai’s rush hour can last four hours.
- For instance,… Slightly more formal; often used in writing or presentations. Some animals adapt quickly to cities. For instance, raccoons now thrive in urban parks.
- To illustrate,… Professional and precise—ideal for reports or speeches. Customer feedback drives innovation. To illustrate, last year’s redesign came directly from user surveys.
- As an illustration,… Formal and slightly literary—great for essays. Teamwork leads to better outcomes. As an illustration, our cross-department project launched two weeks early.
- Such as… Used within a sentence to introduce specific cases. Many fruits are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwis, and strawberries.
Conversational & Natural
- Like… Casual and extremely common in spoken English. I love outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
- Take…, for example. Draws immediate attention to a strong case. Take Japan, for example—its trains are famously punctual.
- One example is… Clear and easy—perfect for beginners or quick explanations. Renewable energy is growing fast. One example is solar power in California.
- A good case in point is… Emphasizes relevance—common in discussions or debates. Remote work can boost morale. A good case in point is our marketing team’s productivity last quarter.
Everyday & Emphatic
- Just think of… Invites the listener to visualize an obvious example. Technology changes fast—just think of how smartphones looked ten years ago!
- Consider… Gentle and thoughtful—often used to highlight significance. Small habits create big change. Consider how daily reading improves vocabulary over time.
- Look at… Direct and vivid—common in persuasive or passionate speech. Climate action is possible. Look at Costa Rica’s reforestation success!
Real-Life Dialogues
Teacher: Many countries use renewable energy. For instance, Denmark gets over 50% of its power from wind.
Student: One example is also Iceland—they use geothermal energy!
Teacher: Exactly! Take Norway, for example—almost all their electricity is renewable.
Friend A: I’m trying to eat healthier.
Friend B: That’s great! Like, swapping soda for sparkling water?
Friend A: Yes! Consider how much sugar I’ve cut out already.
Friend B: Look at your energy levels—they’ve totally improved!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Essay or academic writing | For instance,… / To illustrate,… | Formal, precise, and expected in structured writing. |
| Business presentation | A good case in point is… | Shows relevance and real-world impact. |
| Casual conversation | Like… / Take…, for example. | Natural, fluid, and widely used by native speakers. |
| Persuasive speaking | Look at… / Just think of… | Creates vivid, emotional connections with listeners. |
Practice Tip
Next time you explain an idea—even to yourself—try using two different example phrases: one formal (“For instance…”) and one casual (“Like…”). It builds flexibility and fluency!
Why This Matters
- Using these 13 ways to give examples makes your English clearer, more engaging, and easier to understand.
- It’s essential for success in school (essays), work (presentations), and daily life (explaining your thoughts).
- Native speakers switch between these phrases constantly—mastering them helps you sound natural and fluent.
Examples turn abstract ideas into real understanding. Try using one of these 13 ways to give examples in your next message, conversation, or journal entry. You’ll communicate with more color, clarity, and confidence. Happy learning! 😊
