adverb

for instance

fer IN-stunss

For instance (adverb) means used to introduce an example that illustrates the point just made. Example: “Some fruits are surprisingly acidic — pineapple, for instance.”

adverb

Used to introduce an example that illustrates the point just made.

"Some fruits are surprisingly acidic — pineapple, for instance."

"For instance, you could take the coast road instead of the motorway."

How to Use For instance

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed before you give an example.

When to use it

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.

Memory tip

Use for instance to introduce a whole clause or a sample item; use such as only before a noun phrase, never before a full sentence.

Easily confused with

for example e.g. → i.e. → such as →

Common pairings

for instance, if take, for instance consider, for instance

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Some fruits are surprisingly acidic — pineapple, _____.

Synonyms

View more →

for example e.g. such as by way of illustration say

Related Words

say including tell talk example vote speak except

Rhymes for for instance

lance dance Nance seance chance nuance trance stance glance balance advance finance

See all rhymes for 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".

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