An example makes an idea concrete
All three expressions introduce examples. First state a broader idea or category, then show a specific case. The example must genuinely belong to the category or illustrate the claim.
For example and for instance can usually replace each other without changing the main meaning. Do not impose a rigid distinction between “formal” and “informal”.
The neighbourhood has places to relax. For example, a small garden is open to everyone.
The neighbourhood has places to relax. For example, a small garden is open to everyone.
The garden is a specific example of a place to relax.
A complete sentence after the introduction
The simplest pattern is a general claim, a full stop, For example or For instance, a comma, and a complete statement. The introductory phrase does not replace a subject and predicate. An imperative can also follow it, with its subject you normally unexpressed.
In writing, a semicolon before the introduction can also connect the parts closely. Do not join two independent clauses with only a comma as if for example were the conjunction and.
General statement. For example / For instance, + subject + verb …
- subject / S —
- The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
- verb / V —
- A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
The hotel supports cyclists. For instance, guests can store their bikes indoors.
The hotel supports cyclists. For instance, guests can store their bikes indoors.
The introduction is followed by guests can store: a complete statement.
The workshop is useful; for example, it teaches basic sewing skills.
The workshop is useful; for example, it teaches basic sewing skills.
A semicolon separates the two independent clauses; the introduction starts with a lower-case letter.
Such as connects examples to a category
After a category name, such as introduces one or more examples: nouns or noun phrases. If the example is an activity, an -ing form naming the action can be used.
Do not replace initial For example with such as before an ordinary independent sentence. In this pattern, such as names an example rather than starting a new independent thought.
Such like is not a substitute for such as. Do not separate such as from its example with a comma either.
category + such as + noun / noun phrase / -ing
- V-ing / -ing —
- The verb form ending in -ing: working, going. Its role depends on the construction.
- 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 studio needs equipment such as a microphone.
The studio needs equipment such as a microphone.
A microphone is an example of equipment.
Outdoor activities such as hiking help me relax.
Outdoor activities such as hiking help me relax.
Hiking names an activity; the main predicate verb is help.
Position and punctuation depend on structure
For example and for instance are not limited to the beginning of a sentence: they can be parenthetical after the subject or in another natural position. For example can also accompany noun examples, so do not reject it automatically just because a complete sentence does not follow.
When a such as example is additional parenthetical information inside a sentence, use commas on both sides. When examples closely define the kind of things meant, commas are often unnecessary. Do not learn an “always put a comma before such as” rule.
A spare charger, for instance, can be very useful on a trip.
A spare charger, for instance, can be very useful on a trip.
The insertion between subject and predicate is set off with commas.
Several venues, such as the old theatre, offer free tours.
Several venues, such as the old theatre, offer free tours.
The main sentence continues after the parenthetical example, so the insertion closes with a comma.
Pack a few snacks, for example, dried apricots and crackers.
Pack a few snacks, for example, dried apricots and crackers.
For example can also introduce noun examples; such as is possible here too with suitable punctuation.
Examples are not a complete list
An example marker does not itself mean “only these”. An exhaustive list needs an additional indication. Do not infer that other possibilities are excluded just from such as or for example.
These expressions differ in function from moreover / furthermore / in addition: they make an existing claim concrete. As well as / in addition to add another element; here we practise the category–example relationship, not the grammar of addition.
The club welcomes beginners in crafts such as pottery.
The club welcomes beginners in crafts such as pottery.
Pottery is an example; other crafts are not excluded.
The flat has useful features. For example, each bedroom has a desk.
The flat has useful features. For example, each bedroom has a desk.
The desks illustrate a useful feature rather than simply changing the subject.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:We collect objects such like postcards.
Correct:We collect objects such as postcards.
The example-introducing expression is such as, not such like.
Incorrect:For an example, the lift is too narrow.
Correct:For example, the lift is too narrow.
The fixed introduction for example contains no article an.
Incorrect:They need furniture such as, a desk.
Correct:They need furniture such as a desk.
Do not separate the example a desk from such as with a comma.
Incorrect:Such as, visitors can borrow a map.
Correct:For instance, visitors can borrow a map.
Use an introductory expression for the new independent statement about visitors; such as does not replace it here.