How to Use “for example” in sentences

Examples can be used to clarify meaning and add color to an article, and the phrase “for example” is a good way to introduce examples. In general, this is a transition phrase that helps the writer to fluently explain the relationship between the content behind and what has been mentioned before. ^{[1] X Research Resources} Here are some tips we’ve gathered to help you use “for example” in sentences and use it effectively.

Table of Contents

Put “for example” at the beginning of a sentence if the example is a full sentence

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Use this if your example has a subject and a verb and can stand alone. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, the phrase “for example” serves as an introduction to the example you are about to use. Here are some sentences with “for example” at the beginning: ^{[2] X Research Source}

“Nurture creativity at home. For example, chalkboard paint allows kids to draw on walls.” (Further creativity at home. For example, paint a chalkboard surface that will allow the kids to draw on the wall.)
” Getting in your daily exercise doesn’t have to be difficult. For example, Jaime walks every evening after dinner.” (Creating a daily exercise routine is not too difficult. For example, Jaime goes for a walk every night after meals.)

Use “for example” in the middle of a sentence listing a list or a phrase

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Your example cannot stand alone if it does not have a subject and a verb. In this case, add an example to the sentence it describes. Here are some sentences with “for example” in the middle: ^{[3] X Research Source}

“You don’t have to splurge on expensive cleaning products. Vinegar, for example, will clean most things.” (You don’t need to resort to expensive cleaning products. Vinegar, for example, will help you clean almost anything.)
“Playing a musical instrument requires skill and practice. Professional guitarists, for example, practice up to 8 hours a day.” (Playing an instrument takes skill and practice. Guitarists, for example, have to practice up to eight hours a day.)

Move “for example” to the end of the sentence to make it easier to read

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Sometimes the phrase “for example” sounds better at the end of a sentence. This is best used with short and simple examples. When you read it out loud, if you find that the middle of a sentence sounds awkward, try moving “for example” to the end of the sentence. Here are some sentences with “for example” at the end: ^{[4] X Research Source}

“The diet does require you to eliminate a few things from your diet—sugar, for example.” (This diet requires you to eliminate a few things from your diet – sugar, for example.)
“Learn a new language through immersion by changing the default language on your phone, for example.” (Learn a new language by immersing yourself in it by changing the default language on your phone, for example.)

Put “for example” next to a comma

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Commas separate explanatory information from the rest of the sentence. The phrase “for example” tells the reader how the information that follows it is related to the content that precedes it. Commas make sentences easier to read and make sense. The position of the comma (before, after, or before and after) will depend on the position of “for example” in the sentence. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Start a sentence: “Many animals are monogamous. For example, otters mate for life.” (Many animals live in monogamy. For example, a pair of otters will be faithful to each other for life.)
Put in the middle of a sentence: “Many animals are monogamous. Otters, for example, mate for life.” (Many animals live in monogamy. Otters, for example, are animals that live in faithful pairs for life.)
Put at the end of the sentence: “Many animals are monogamous and mate for life—otters, for example.” (Many animals live in faithful monogamy for life – like otters, for example.)

Remove commas when using parentheses

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Parentheses have acted as the introduction of the phrase. Commas are often used in sentences to separate explanatory words from sentences. Once parentheses are present, commas are not needed. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

See the following example: “Becky measured out her ingredients (for example flour and sugar) before she started baking.” (Becky measures the ingredients (e.g. flour and sugar) before starting to make the cake.)

Add a comma before “for example” in the middle of the sentence

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Use commas before and after the phrase “for example”. When placed in the middle of a sentence, the phrase “for example” tells the reader that the words behind it will shift the focus of the sentence slightly. This rule also applies if you put “for example” at the end of the sentence, only the comma is not needed. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Put “for example” in the middle of the sentence: “Kelly expected us to bring our own supplies, for example, our notebooks and pens.” (Kelly asked us to bring our own supplies, such as pens and notebooks.)
If you put “for example” at the end of a sentence, the sentence will be written like this: “Kelly expected us to bring our own supplies: our notebooks and pens, for example.” (Kelly asked us to bring our own supplies, pens and notebooks, for example.)

Use semicolons for better readability

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For some longer phrases, semicolons are more effective than commas. A semicolon indicates a pause longer than a comma and provides a break between two related ideas. It also makes the sentence easier to read if there are already a lot of commas in the sentence. Usually a semicolon is placed just before “for example.” Here are some examples: ^{[8] X Research Sources}

“Find ways to fit activity into your day; for example, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator.” (Look for ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life; for example, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator.)
“You don’t need artistic training or talent to be creative; for example, paint-by-numbers kits allow novices to create beautiful works of art.” (You don’t have to learn to draw or have a talent to be creative; for example, digital painting kits help beginners to create works of art.)

Introducing an incomplete list

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Use “for example” when referring to a long list of similar things. This list can be too long and cumbersome, making it difficult to write or read. In some cases, you don’t need to list all of these – just a few examples is enough for the reader to get the point. Here are some examples: ^{[9] X Research Sources}

“Many animals are monogamous. For example, otters, geese, and beavers mate for life.” (Many animals live in monogamy. For example, otters, geese and beavers are animals that live in faithful pairs for life.)
“Campers are expected to bring their own supplies and gear. Tents and sleeping bags, for example, will not be provided.” (Campers must bring their own equipment and supplies. Tents and sleeping bags, for example, will not be provided.)

Introduction of hypothetical scenario

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Use “for example” before a fictional situation. Examples will allow you to take a theoretical concept and demonstrate how it works in the real world. With “for example”, you can take a concept and apply it to a hypothetical situation. This will show the reader a possibility that the concept could happen in reality. number of examples: ^{[10] X Research Sources}

“For example, if Judy bakes 4 cakes each day for 5 days, she would bake 20 cakes each week” (For example, if Judy bakes 4 cakes per day for 5 days, she will bake 20 cakes per week.)
“Children risk injury when playing with dangerous toys. For example, if you buy your child a BB gun, they could shoot their eye out.”(Young children are at risk of injury when playing with dangerous toys. For example, If you buy your child a BB toy gun, he may hit his eye.)

Provide illustrative information for the previous point

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Use an example to describe an idea that happened in real life. Your illustration can be real or imaginary – whatever it is, it brings life and color to the article. Just like the illustrations for the content, the illustrations in words will help the reader visualize the idea. Here are some examples: ^{[11] X Research Sources}

“Make language learning easier through immersion. For example, you could listen to music in the language you want to learn while doing chores.” (Use language immersion to make learning a foreign language easier. For example, you could listen to music sung in that language while doing housework.)
“You don’t have to take art classes to be creative. For example, you can use a paint-by-numbers kit to create a piece of art suitable for framing.” (You don’t have to take art classes to be creative. For example, you can use a digital painting kit to create a framed work.)

Describe a case among other possibilities

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“For example” tells the reader that your scenario is one of many. The phrase “for instance” is more effective when you’re citing a specific case. However, if your example isn’t for a specific use case then the phrase “for example” would be a better choice. Here are some examples: ^{[12] X Research Sources}

“Many careers require you to perform in high-pressure situations. EMTs, for example, save the lives of people in trauma.” (Many careers require you to work in very stressful situations. Like emergency technicians, for example, they have to save lives in traumatic situations.)
“Common cooking ingredients often have other uses. For example, you can use baking soda to clean and deodorize your refrigerator.” (Common cooking ingredients also have other uses. For example, you can use baking soda to clean or deodorize the refrigerator.)

Emphasize that something is true

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Add a concrete and real-life example as a supporting evidence for that. This is especially effective if you’re dealing with a subjective issue. Although you can’t conclusively prove that a certain statement is true, you can provide evidence to support it so that readers are more inclined to believe you. ^{[13] X Research Source}

For example, this sentence: “Everyone loves Mary’s cupcakes. For example, Julian begs for them and he doesn’t even like sweets.” (Everybody loves to eat Mary’s cupcakes. For example, Julian always asks for more even though he doesn’t like sweets.)
Another example: “The service at Tom’s Diner is too slow. Last night, for example, we had to wait for 2 hours to get our food!” (Tom’s Diner is horribly slow. Last night, for example, we had to wait 2 hours for our food!)

Advice

In academic writing, the abbreviation “eg” (short for the Latin word “exempli gratia”) is often used instead of “for example,” especially with terms enclosed in quotation marks or footnotes. liked the bottom of the page. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Steps