82 Simple Options on What to Say Instead of For Example

When trying to keep writing fresh and engaging, especially in formal or conversational settings, it helps to mix up the language we use. Knowing what to say instead of for example can make your communication smoother, more precise, and less repetitive.

Whether you’re drafting an email, giving a presentation, or adding color to creative writing, there are many phrases that can replace “for example” while still keeping your message clear. In this article, you’ll find alternative phrases that fit a variety of situations, helping you communicate your ideas with a natural flow and a polished tone.

Common Synonyms and Simple Alternatives

When you want to replace “for example” in everyday language or writing, simple synonyms and phrases can maintain clarity without sounding overly formal. These alternatives are versatile, easy to use, and fit seamlessly into both written and spoken contexts. Here are some common alternatives to “for example,” along with guidance on when each one might work best:

1. Such as

• • This phrase is widely used to introduce examples within a sentence and works well in both casual and professional settings.
  • Example: “There are many fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwis.”

2. Including

• • “Including” implies that the examples given are part of a larger group. This works well when listing items within a category.
  • Example: “Several winter sports are popular, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.”

3. As in

• • This phrase works well when introducing an example that directly relates to the point you’re making. It is conversational but can also fit in semi-formal writing.
  • Example: “Some people enjoy spicy food, as in dishes like curry and hot wings.”

4. To illustrate

• • A great choice for more formal or explanatory contexts, “to illustrate” emphasizes that the following example is being used to clarify a concept or idea.
  • Example: “To illustrate the effects of pollution, think about how air quality affects respiratory health.”

5. Among them

• • Use “among them” when you want to list a few examples as part of a larger group. It’s conversational yet clear, making it ideal for semi-formal writing.
  • Example: “Several animals are known for their intelligence, among them dolphins, crows, and chimpanzees.”

6. Especially

• • This alternative is useful when you want to highlight specific examples that stand out. It subtly implies that these examples are notable.
  • Example: “Many flowers bloom in spring, especially tulips and daffodils.”

7. As one example

• • This phrase is ideal when you want to give a single example to illustrate your point. It works well in both written and spoken language.
  • Example: “Improving city infrastructure can reduce traffic. As one example, New York has added bike lanes to encourage cycling.”

8. An example being

• • Another straightforward alternative, “an example being” works well when you want to keep the tone neutral and provide one or more examples.
  • Example: “Many cities have beautiful architecture, an example being the historic buildings in Rome.”

9. Namely

• • A slightly more formal option, “namely” is great for emphasizing the examples you’re listing. It works well in academic or professional writing.
  • Example: “Several nutrients are essential for health, namely vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.”

Formal Alternatives for Professional or Academic Writing

In professional or academic writing, it’s often necessary to maintain a formal tone, and using precise language enhances clarity and credibility. When replacing “for example” in these settings, select alternatives that convey your point professionally and suit structured, formal contexts. Here are some effective formal alternatives, each suited to different types of writing:

1. For instance

• • This phrase is a slightly more formal variation of “for example” and fits well in academic and professional contexts. It emphasizes the example as an instance of the topic being discussed.
  • Example: “Exercise has numerous health benefits; for instance, it can improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress levels.”

2. To demonstrate

• • “To demonstrate” is ideal for introducing examples that clarify or support a specific point. It works well in explanatory writing or when emphasizing an example to highlight a concept.
  • Example: “Effective team collaboration is essential; to demonstrate, companies with strong teamwork report higher productivity and morale.”

3. As an illustration

• • A more formal option, “as an illustration” signals that the example is being used to clarify a complex idea. It is suitable for both academic papers and formal reports.
  • Example: “Renewable energy sources are increasingly important. As an illustration, consider how solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”

4. Such as the case of

• • This phrase is particularly useful when presenting case studies or specific examples in academic papers, as it directly relates the example to the topic.
  • Example: “Data privacy has become a significant concern, such as the case of recent data breaches in major corporations.”

5. As evidenced by

• • Often used in research and academic writing, “as evidenced by” introduces examples that serve as evidence to back up a claim or hypothesis. It’s effective in conveying an authoritative tone.
  • Example: “Regular physical activity can lower the risk of chronic diseases, as evidenced by studies on cardiovascular health and diabetes.”

6. Consider the example of

• • This phrase introduces an example directly, prompting the reader to think critically about the case in point. It works well in essays and professional reports where you want to engage the reader’s attention.
  • Example: “Corporate social responsibility positively impacts a company’s reputation. Consider the example of Patagonia, which has prioritized sustainability and social causes.”

7. As illustrated by

• • This option is useful for academic contexts, especially when referring to diagrams, data, or specific studies. It’s an effective way to link evidence to the statement made.
  • Example: “Employee satisfaction improves with flexible work arrangements, as illustrated by recent surveys on remote work productivity.”

8. As seen in

• • “As seen in” is ideal for formal writing, especially when citing studies, data, or well-known cases. It subtly directs the reader to view the example as representative of the topic.
  • Example: “Employee diversity enhances innovation, as seen in companies that prioritize inclusive hiring practices.”

9. Notably

• • This term draws attention to particularly significant examples that exemplify the topic well. It adds a sense of importance to the example and is suitable for professional or analytical writing.
  • Example: “There are many tech innovators in recent years, notably Elon Musk with advancements in sustainable energy and space exploration.”

10. A case in point

• • Often used in formal essays and reports, “a case in point” introduces an example as representative of a larger trend or principle. It adds emphasis to the relevance of the example in illustrating the main idea.
  • Example: “Efficient public transportation reduces urban congestion; a case in point is Tokyo’s high-speed rail system.”

11. This is exemplified by

• • This phrase is particularly effective in academic writing, where you need to showcase specific instances as supporting evidence. It highlights the example as a model or demonstration.
  • Example: “Sustainable agriculture techniques improve soil health, and this is exemplified by crop rotation practices in organic farming.”

12. As demonstrated in

• • Another suitable option for academic or analytical writing, “as demonstrated in” introduces examples that reinforce a theory or argument, making it ideal for supporting evidence in essays and reports.
  • Example: “Effective leadership boosts employee engagement, as demonstrated in multiple studies on transformational leadership.”

Casual Alternatives for Everyday Conversation

In everyday conversations or informal writing, using relaxed and natural language helps keep the tone friendly and approachable. Replacing “for example” with casual alternatives adds variety and makes your message sound more conversational. Here are some alternatives that are easy to slip into daily speech and casual writing without sounding overly formal:

1. Like

• • A common alternative, “like” is a simple way to introduce examples in conversation. It keeps the tone light and informal.
  • Example: “You should try new hobbies, like painting or hiking.”

2. Say

• • “Say” is great when you’re giving a hypothetical example. It’s casual and fits well in everyday talk.
  • Example: “You can use any fruit in the smoothie, say bananas or strawberries.”

3. Just think of

• • This phrase encourages the listener to imagine a specific example, making it a great way to keep things conversational.
  • Example: “There are so many places to visit around here. Just think of the local parks or hiking trails.”

4. Take

• • Short and to the point, “take” introduces an example directly and is perfect for quick explanations in conversation.
  • Example: “There are many ways to stay active—take swimming, for instance.”

5. A good example would be

• • This phrase provides a smooth transition into your example and makes the tone feel friendly and accessible.
  • Example: “There are lots of things you can do to relax. A good example would be meditation.”

6. Think of

• • This simple phrase draws the listener’s attention to a specific example and is easy to use in both speech and writing.
  • Example: “We can go somewhere with nice weather—think of Florida or California.”

7. For one

• • This casual phrase is often used when listing one of several possible examples, making it useful in both friendly and casual professional contexts.
  • Example: “There are plenty of ways to save money. For one, you can try meal prepping.”

8. Like when

• • This phrase introduces a relatable scenario or story to illustrate a point, which works well in friendly conversations.
  • Example: “Some pets can be high-maintenance, like when you have a dog that needs a lot of exercise.”

9. You could say

• • This phrase provides a conversational way to introduce examples or possible scenarios without being too direct.
  • Example: “Spending time in nature is relaxing. You could say activities like hiking or fishing help people unwind.”

10. Something like

• • A flexible, casual way to offer examples that leaves room for other possibilities, making it great for informal conversations.
  • Example: “We could have a simple dinner, something like pasta or tacos.”

11. Like in the case of

• • A bit longer, but still conversational, this phrase helps to introduce examples, especially when recounting a story or experience.
  • Example: “Some people are naturally creative, like in the case of artists who can make something beautiful out of anything.”

12. Such as when

• • Useful for describing situations or scenarios, “such as when” keeps things relatable and relaxed, great for casual explanations.
  • Example: “Cats are independent animals, such as when they groom themselves and find their own cozy spots to sleep.”

13. One example is

• • A straightforward phrase that provides a clear example without sounding overly formal, which works well in casual or semi-formal situations.
  • Example: “One example is using natural light to save on electricity.”

14. Look at

• • This phrase provides a quick way to introduce an example without feeling too rigid or formal, and it often sounds natural in spoken conversation.
  • Example: “Look at how some cities use bike-sharing programs to reduce traffic.”

15. Imagine

• • This phrase invites the listener to picture an example, which is helpful for relatable and descriptive explanations.
  • Example: “Imagine a weekend getaway—somewhere peaceful, like a cabin in the mountains.”

16. Consider

• • A gentle way to lead into an example or suggestion, “consider” is perfect for conversations where you’re offering options or ideas.
  • Example: “Consider taking up an indoor hobby for the winter, like reading or knitting.”

17. Think about how

• • This phrase introduces examples in a relatable way and invites the listener to reflect, ideal for conversations and casual writing.
  • Example: “Think about how much water we waste every day, like leaving the tap running while brushing teeth.”

18. Such as how

• • This option works well in scenarios where you’re describing a general concept through specific instances, making it useful in both conversation and writing.
  • Example: “Some routines help people unwind, such as how some people wind down with a good book.”

19. Like with

• • Another flexible, casual alternative, this phrase introduces examples smoothly and sounds natural in conversation.
  • Example: “You can make healthier choices with small changes, like with swapping soda for water.”

20. In the case of

• • Great for informal examples in storytelling or explanations, it sets up specific instances and is easy to use in speech.
  • Example: “Many people find comfort in routines, in the case of those who start every day with a walk.”

Advanced and Unique Alternatives for Creative Writing

In creative writing, word choice has a big impact on tone, rhythm, and mood. When you want to introduce examples or details without sounding too repetitive or straightforward, advanced and unique alternatives to “for example” can help your writing flow naturally. Here are some options to add subtlety, depth, and creativity, giving your prose or storytelling a distinctive edge:

1. Take, for instance

• • This phrase works well when guiding the reader’s attention to a specific example within a descriptive scene, adding a reflective tone.
  • Example: “The garden was bursting with colors—take, for instance, the vibrant hues of the marigolds nestled against deep green leaves.”

2. Consider the case of

• • This alternative invites the reader to reflect, making it perfect for narrative-driven or introspective writing.
  • Example: “Animals often form unlikely friendships; consider the case of the lioness and the tiny tortoise she protected.”

3. One illustration of this is

• • A sophisticated option, this phrase works well when introducing a vivid or symbolic example within a larger narrative.
  • Example: “Fear has a way of gripping us; one illustration of this is how even the thought of darkness kept him from leaving his room at night.”

4. Picture this

• • Perfect for adding imagery, “picture this” draws the reader into a mental snapshot, making it great for scene setting in fiction or personal essays.
  • Example: “She lived in a cluttered but cozy apartment. Picture this: books stacked to the ceiling, plants spilling over every windowsill, and the scent of coffee always lingering.”

5. Let’s say

• • Often used in dialogue or informal narrative, this phrase adds a conversational tone, creating intimacy between the narrator and reader.
  • Example: “Let’s say you’re walking down a quiet street at night, and the only sound you hear is the rustling of leaves behind you.”

6. To give you an idea

• • This phrase subtly brings the reader closer to the concept being introduced, perfect for essays or descriptive passages.
  • Example: “He was a man of few words but grand gestures; to give you an idea, he once drove 500 miles just to see her smile.”

7. Imagine, if you will

• • A whimsical or poetic phrase that invites readers into a scene or concept, often used in literary or imaginative writing.
  • Example: “Imagine, if you will, a town where every door is painted a different color and laughter echoes through the streets.”

8. One might recall

• • This phrase is ideal for reflective or nostalgic writing, subtly guiding the reader to an illustrative example that feels familiar.
  • Example: “One might recall the days when handwritten letters held a certain charm, carrying emotions across miles.”

9. Envision

• • Envision is a powerful word that sets the scene, making it perfect for introducing visual or imaginative examples.
  • Example: “Envision a sprawling meadow at dawn, mist rising from the grass, with dew glistening like tiny jewels under the soft light.”

10. An instance of this

• • An elegant phrase that adds depth to your examples, especially when you’re drawing parallels or illustrating a broader theme.
  • Example: “Her kindness was boundless; an instance of this was how she always kept the door open for those who needed a friend.”

11. One need only look at

• • This phrase guides the reader toward an example, adding a touch of formality and subtly reinforcing the narrative.
  • Example: “One need only look at the old family photographs to see the striking resemblance between mother and daughter.”

12. Let’s paint a picture of

• • An evocative option that invites the reader into a visual scene, perfect for setting the tone in storytelling or descriptive prose.
  • Example: “Let’s paint a picture of the marketplace at dawn: vibrant stalls brimming with spices, fruits piled high, and vendors calling out their wares.”

13. A telling example would be

• • This alternative subtly emphasizes that the example is significant or revealing, which works well in character-driven or theme-rich narratives.
  • Example: “He wasn’t one for small talk—a telling example would be his preference for books over conversation, even in crowded rooms.”

14. To illustrate this point

• • Ideal for narrative explanations or thematic writing, “to illustrate this point” draws the reader into the larger message of the story.
  • Example: “The city never truly slept, to illustrate this point, neon lights cast a glow on the streets until dawn.”

15. As a testament to

• • This phrase emphasizes that the example provided serves as proof or validation, adding weight and significance to the narrative.
  • Example: “Her dedication was unwavering, as a testament to her countless hours spent working through the night.”

16. An illustrative instance is

• • Suitable for both creative and analytical writing, this phrase adds a touch of formality without sounding overly rigid.
  • Example: “Some people are born storytellers; an illustrative instance is her ability to captivate an entire room with just one tale.”

17. To show what I mean

• • A conversational way to ease into an example, perfect for first-person narrative or reflective pieces.
  • Example: “Nature has a way of healing. To show what I mean, just think of the calm you feel watching a sunset over the ocean.”

18. A noteworthy example

• • This phrase is ideal for when the example you’re giving stands out or is particularly impactful, adding emphasis and intrigue.
  • Example: “He was full of surprises—a noteworthy example being the time he flew across the country just to attend her art show.”

19. A glimpse into

• • This alternative provides a way to introduce a detail that gives insight, adding intrigue to the description.
  • Example: “Their home was a blend of old and new, a glimpse into their eclectic tastes and shared history.”

20. To cite one case

• • Slightly formal, this phrase is effective when drawing attention to an illustrative case or single instance that exemplifies a broader theme.
  • Example: “Some journeys change us profoundly; to cite one case, her trip to the mountains revealed a newfound resilience.”

21. To draw from

• • This phrase helps create a connection between the example and a broader pool of possibilities, making it versatile in narrative writing.
  • Example: “The city was full of hidden spots to explore, to draw from the narrow alleys lined with unique shops.”

22. A fitting illustration is

• • This phrase emphasizes that the example is particularly apt or fitting, adding a sense of alignment with the narrative theme.
  • Example: “He was a man of habit, a fitting illustration is his morning ritual of coffee and a newspaper at dawn.”

23. To give a flavor of

• • Perfect for sensory-rich descriptions, this phrase invites the reader to experience the tone or feeling of a scene or concept.
  • Example: “The festival was vibrant and alive; to give a flavor of it, imagine music drifting from every corner and people dancing in the streets.”

Using Contextual Phrasing for Clarity

In both formal and informal writing, using phrases that directly relate to the context can help create smoother, more natural examples without relying on “for example.” Contextual phrasing introduces examples in a way that connects them to the main topic, making your writing more cohesive and clear. Here are some useful contextual alternatives to “for example,” along with guidance on when and how to use each one effectively:

1. Particularly

• • “Particularly” highlights specific examples that stand out in a broader context, making it useful when you want to emphasize an aspect or detail.
  • Example: “Autumn brings beautiful foliage, particularly in regions like New England where trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange.”

2. Specifically

• • This word is great for narrowing down details and providing a clear, targeted example within the broader topic. It’s effective in formal writing and adds precision to your statements.
  • Example: “Several factors contribute to climate change, specifically the burning of fossil fuels for energy.”

3. One such example is

• • This phrase is especially useful for introducing individual examples that represent a broader trend or characteristic, making it versatile for many writing styles.
  • Example: “Some entrepreneurs are known for their philanthropy; one such example is Bill Gates, who has dedicated much of his wealth to health initiatives.”

4. A notable instance is

• • This phrase adds weight to the example, highlighting it as significant or noteworthy. It works well when you want to focus the reader’s attention on an impactful case.
  • Example: “Collaboration can lead to incredible innovation; a notable instance is the development of the International Space Station.”

5. To name a few

• • Casual but clear, this phrase is perfect when you’re listing multiple examples without going into exhaustive detail. It works well in conversational writing.
  • Example: “There are so many activities to enjoy outdoors, to name a few: hiking, biking, and birdwatching.”

6. A fitting example is

• • This phrase connects the example closely to the topic, showing it as representative of the concept or idea. It adds a sense of alignment and can be used in both formal and informal writing.
  • Example: “Innovation is key to business success; a fitting example is Apple’s constant reinvention of its products.”

7. As reflected in

• • Ideal for analytical or narrative writing, “as reflected in” introduces examples that mirror the broader theme or trend, making it especially useful for evidence-based writing.
  • Example: “Modern society is increasingly tech-driven, as reflected in the rise of smartphone dependency.”

8. Take the case of

• • This phrase works well in storytelling or analytical contexts, introducing examples as specific cases that illustrate the point being discussed.
  • Example: “Many startups find it challenging to grow quickly. Take the case of companies like Uber, which faced rapid growth pains.”

9. For illustration

• • Slightly formal, this phrase is ideal for academic writing or technical explanations where you want to provide an example to clarify a point.
  • Example: “Renewable energy sources are gaining traction. For illustration, wind and solar power have seen substantial growth in recent years.”

10. In particular

• • This phrase highlights specific examples within a broader category, making it useful for honing in on certain details in both casual and formal writing.
  • Example: “Many athletes excel in multiple areas; in particular, swimmers often also perform well in diving competitions.”

11. A striking example of this is

• • Use this phrase when you want to draw attention to an example that strongly represents the topic, adding emphasis and impact.
  • Example: “The power of perseverance is remarkable—a striking example of this is Helen Keller, who overcame immense obstacles to achieve great things.”

12. This is seen clearly in

• • This phrase links examples to the topic by indicating that they visibly demonstrate the point, making it effective in analytical or observational writing.
  • Example: “The effects of deforestation are severe. This is seen clearly in the rapid decline of biodiversity in the Amazon.”

13. A representative instance is

• • This phrase introduces an example that serves as a model or representation of the broader point, often used in both scientific and literary contexts.
  • Example: “Some books capture the spirit of their time; a representative instance is Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.”

14. In particular cases like

• • This phrase is helpful when introducing specific examples that occur within broader contexts, providing clarity and specificity.
  • Example: “Chronic stress can lead to health issues, in particular cases like hypertension and anxiety disorders.”

15. This is best exemplified by

• • Use this phrase when you want to highlight an example that perfectly demonstrates the concept, lending weight and clarity to your point.
  • Example: “Teamwork can drive success; this is best exemplified by the collaboration of scientists on the COVID-19 vaccines.”

16. As it appears in

• • Great for referring to literature, data, or real-life examples, this phrase situates the example directly within a specific source or context.
  • Example: “The concept of time travel has fascinated many, as it appears in novels like The Time Machine by H.G. Wells.”

17. This is mirrored by

• • Use this phrase when describing examples that reflect or parallel a certain theme or characteristic, adding nuance to the connection.
  • Example: “Her determination was unbreakable, and this is mirrored by her consistent top performances in every competition.”

18. A classic case would be

• • Ideal for providing examples that are well-known or commonly referenced, adding familiarity and depth to the context.
  • Example: “Some scientific theories face challenges, a classic case would be Darwin’s theory of evolution, which was controversial at its inception.”