From a general idea to a particular case
Exemplification moves from a class, trend or abstract claim to one or more concrete cases. Readers should see an instance of the phenomenon under discussion, not merely an extra detail.
An example can clarify a difficult concept or provide one piece of supporting evidence. One case does not prove a universal rule. Strong writing does not exaggerate its weight and explains its limits when necessary.
A basic progression is general statement → example marker → specific case → explanation of the link to the main point. The final step is especially important when the example’s relevance is not obvious.
general idea → example marker → concrete case → explanation of the connection
Small scheduling changes can widen access to public services. For example, one licensing office introduced Saturday appointments for shift workers.
Small scheduling changes can widen access to public services. For example, one licensing office introduced Saturday appointments for shift workers.
A particular office and a particular change make the general claim observable.
Some design choices reduce cognitive load; a case in point is the use of a single clear action on each screen.
Some design choices reduce cognitive load; a case in point is the use of a single clear action on each screen.
A case in point is introduces one developed, particularly illustrative case.
Several local measures improved air quality, notably the replacement of diesel buses on the busiest routes.
Several local measures improved air quality, notably the replacement of diesel buses on the busiest routes.
Notably draws special attention to this example within a broader group of measures.
Relevance matters more than the marker
For example cannot repair weak logic. The example must belong to the stated category and demonstrate the property being claimed. A logo’s colour does not explain a service’s accessibility unless you explain how it helps users.
A good example is concrete enough to identify an action, event, observation or result. Unnecessary details can distract from its connection to the claim, so select only facts that contribute to the explanation.
After giving an example, ask what exactly it demonstrates. The answer can be a separate sentence beginning This case shows…, This illustrates…, or a direct explanation of the consequence.
example belongs to the stated class + demonstrates the relevant property
The update made the form easier to use. For instance, applicants can now save an unfinished draft and return later.
The update made the form easier to use. For instance, applicants can now save an unfinished draft and return later.
The save function directly shows how the form is easier to use.
The update made the form easier to use. For example, the launch meeting took place on Tuesday.
The update made the form easier to use. For example, the launch meeting took place on Tuesday.
The sentence is grammatical, but the meeting date does not explain the form’s usability. The example is logically irrelevant.
One branch translated appointment reminders into four languages. This case shows how a small communication change can remove an access barrier.
One branch translated appointment reminders into four languages. This case shows how a small communication change can remove an access barrier.
The second sentence explicitly connects the action back to the general idea of accessibility.
For example, for instance and sentence position
For example and for instance can introduce a separate sentence containing an example. At the beginning of a sentence, they normally take a comma: For example, the night service now runs hourly.
These markers can also be parenthetical: The night service, for instance, now runs hourly. Commas mark the insertion’s boundaries. Position changes rhythm and focus, not its function as an example.
In neutral professional prose, the full expressions read naturally within sentences. E.g. is compact and particularly useful in brackets, tables or short lists; its comma conventions depend on the publication’s style.
For example, complete sentence. / Part of a sentence, for instance, continuation.
Several routine checks can be automated. For instance, the system can flag duplicate invoice numbers.
Several routine checks can be automated. For instance, the system can flag duplicate invoice numbers.
A separate sentence supplies a complete case after the general claim.
Some routine checks, for example duplicate-number detection, can be automated.
Some routine checks, for example duplicate-number detection, can be automated.
The inserted example specifies some routine checks.
The grant covers essential equipment (e.g. monitors and adaptive keyboards).
The grant covers essential equipment (e.g. monitors and adaptive keyboards).
E.g. signals that the named items are examples, not necessarily a complete list.
Such as, including and noun-based constructions
Such as directly attaches an example or list of examples to a noun phrase: resources such as guides and checklists. Cambridge notes that as alone does not introduce examples in this pattern; use the complete such as construction.
A comma before such as is natural when the examples are supplementary information. Without a comma, the expression often narrows a class: countries such as Sweden means countries of that kind. The choice depends on structure and intention, not a mechanical prohibition.
Including can also add members of a broader group. It is useful in lists, but still consider whether the particular context might make readers interpret the list as exhaustive.
general noun phrase + such as / including + one or more examples
- NP / noun phrase —
- A noun phrase: a noun with its dependent words, such as the new student; the pattern treats it as one group of words.
- noun —
- A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.
The archive preserves fragile media, such as glass negatives and wax cylinders.
The archive preserves fragile media, such as glass negatives and wax cylinders.
Such as introduces two members of the class fragile media.
Cities such as Malmö have expanded protected cycle routes.
Cities such as Malmö have expanded protected cycle routes.
The example appears within the subject and helps identify the kind of city.
The package includes accessibility tools, including a screen reader and a high-contrast mode.
The package includes accessibility tools, including a screen reader and a high-contrast mode.
Including adds specific items to the broader category accessibility tools.
A developed, illustrative case
A case in point is… makes the example the main information in a new clause. One case naturally follows is; with several, adjust the agreement: Two cases in point are….
As exemplified by… and is exemplified by… present examples through the verb exemplify. The first often works as an inserted or final phrase; the second is the predicate of a complete sentence.
Notably does more than add any item: it highlights a particularly important or prominent member. If all examples have equal weight, neutral for example or such as expresses that intention more accurately.
A case in point is + one case; statement + as exemplified by + example
A case in point is the neighbourhood library, which lends tools as well as books.
A case in point is the neighbourhood library, which lends tools as well as books.
One particular institution develops the broader idea of unconventional library services.
The distinction appears in several datasets, as exemplified by the 2025 household survey.
The distinction appears in several datasets, as exemplified by the 2025 household survey.
As exemplified by grammatically connects the named case to the broader statement.
Several regions shortened waiting times, notably the two districts that introduced shared triage teams.
Several regions shortened waiting times, notably the two districts that introduced shared triage teams.
Notably highlights these two districts rather than neutrally listing all the regions.
E.g. is not the same as i.e.
E.g. means for example and introduces one or more members of a broader group. Other members may exist, so the marker does not promise a complete list.
I.e. means that is. It restates, precisely defines or fully specifies the preceding content. If the writer names all channels, all dates or the exact meaning of a term, i.e. can be correct. It is not wrong merely because a list follows.
A simple check: could you mentally add among other examples? If so, use e.g. or another example marker. If the second part must be exactly equivalent in scope to the first, use i.e., namely or a precise restatement.
e.g. = for example: one or more cases; i.e. = that is: a precise explanation of the meaning
The platform supports asynchronous channels, e.g. shared boards and recorded updates.
The platform supports asynchronous channels, e.g. shared boards and recorded updates.
Only examples of possible asynchronous channels are named.
The support desk uses two asynchronous channels, i.e. the shared board and the recorded daily update.
The support desk uses two asynchronous channels, i.e. the shared board and the recorded daily update.
Two and the context show that a complete, precise list follows.
Bring one form of identification, e.g. a passport.
Bring one form of identification, e.g. a passport.
A passport is one acceptable option; the sentence does not exclude other documents.
Using examples in paragraphs and conversation
In a coherent paragraph, the example develops the claim rather than leading away from it. Afterwards, explain its significance, return to the main idea or appropriately limit the generalisation.
For example, for instance and take X are natural in professional conversation. More formal a case in point and as exemplified by are especially useful in presentations or analytical writing, but register does not make one grammatical form universally superior.
Before the final edit, check four things: the marker’s function, the grammar following it, the case’s relevance and the strength of the conclusion. This turns a decorative list into a genuine clarification.
idea → case → explanation → appropriately limited conclusion
Flexible booking can reduce missed appointments. For example, one clinic allowed patients to confirm by text and saw fewer empty slots. The case suggests that a simpler response channel can remove a practical barrier.
Flexible booking can reduce missed appointments. For example, one clinic allowed patients to confirm by text and saw fewer empty slots. The case suggests that a simpler response channel can remove a practical barrier.
The paragraph does not leave readers to guess how the case relates to the general claim.
Could we make the guidance more concrete? For instance, we could show a completed application beside each instruction.
Could we make the guidance more concrete? For instance, we could show a completed application beside each instruction.
In this contribution, for instance proposes a practical option rather than an abstract appeal.
One pilot does not establish a general trend, but it can clarify the mechanism under discussion.
One pilot does not establish a general trend, but it can clarify the mechanism under discussion.
An example can clarify something without supporting an unjustified universal conclusion.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:The grant funds practical tools, as screen readers and adaptive keyboards.
Correct:The grant funds practical tools, such as screen readers and adaptive keyboards.
As alone does not introduce examples in this construction; use such as.
Incorrect:Several small changes improved access. For example, the office add a text-message option.
Correct:Several small changes improved access. For example, the office added a text-message option.
The sentence concerns a completed past change. Alongside improved, use Past Simple added, not base-form add.
Incorrect:A case in point are the night-bus trial.
Correct:A case in point is the night-bus trial.
Singular a case agrees with is, not are.
Incorrect:This approach is exemplified the Bristol pilot.
Correct:This approach is exemplified by the Bristol pilot.
In passive is exemplified by, by introduces the case illustrating the approach, the Bristol pilot. It need not refer to a human agent.
Incorrect:The archive protects fragile formats, such glass negatives and wax cylinders.
Correct:The archive protects fragile formats, such as glass negatives and wax cylinders.
The full example marker is the two-word expression such as.
Incorrect:One useful examples is the shared appointment calendar.
Correct:One useful example is the shared appointment calendar.
After one, use singular example.