for instance
5 synonyms for for instance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — Used to introduce an example that illustrates the point just made.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use for instance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
for instance, if
take, for instance
consider, for instance
Interchangeable with for example in almost every context, and slightly more conversational. Set off with commas, and note that e.g. is the written abbreviation of for example, not of for instance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between for instance and for example?
There is no difference in meaning, and either can introduce one or several examples. For example is marginally more common in formal writing and has the abbreviation e.g.; for instance sounds a little more spoken.
What is the difference between e.g. and i.e.?
E.g. is short for the Latin exempli gratia and introduces examples, so it matches for instance. I.e. is short for id est and introduces a restatement or clarification, meaning that is. "Citrus fruit, e.g. lemons" versus "citrus fruit, i.e. fruit from the genus Citrus".
