phrase
such as
such az
Such as (phrase) means used to introduce one or more examples of the kind of thing just mentioned. Example: “Soft fruits such as raspberries and blackberries freeze well.”
phrase
1
Used to introduce one or more examples of the kind of thing just mentioned.
"Soft fruits such as raspberries and blackberries freeze well."
"Bring warm clothing, such as a fleece or a heavy jumper."
2
formal Used to mean "of a kind that", introducing a description of what something is like.
"The damage was such as no insurer would cover."
How to use such as
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of saying "for example" before naming a few of the things you mean.
When to use it
Neutral; slightly more formal than "like" and standard in written English.
Memory tip
"As such" is a different phrase entirely — it means "in that capacity" or "in itself", not "for example".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
such as this
items such as
such as those
such as it is
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Fill the gap
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Soft fruits _____ raspberries and blackberries freeze well.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between such as and like?
"Such as" introduces actual examples drawn from the group; "like" traditionally introduces things similar to but not part of it. Careful writers say "poets such as Keats" if Keats is one of them and "poets like Keats" for poets resembling him, though in everyday speech the two are used interchangeably.
Do you put a comma before such as?
Only when the examples are non-essential extra information: "Bring warm clothing, such as a fleece." Leave the comma out when the examples narrow down what you mean: "Fruits such as bananas are high in potassium."
Can you use etc. after such as?
No — it is redundant. "Such as" already signals that the list is only a sample, so "such as apples, pears, etc." says the same thing twice. Pick one.
What is the meaning of such as?
"such as" (phrase) means used to introduce one or more examples of the kind of thing just mentioned.
