How to use "as an example"

What Does "as an example" Mean?

• Grammatical function: It serves as an additive connective, specifically introducing an instance to clarify or support a previous statement. It signals that what follows is a concrete illustration of a broader concept.
• Typical sentence position: Primarily initial, but can also appear medially.
• Register: Neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: Typically followed by a clause or phrase that provides the example. It is often preceded by a general statement or idea that the example will illustrate.
• Punctuation rules: When used at the beginning of a sentence, it is followed by a comma. When used medially, it is usually set off by commas.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence. It can be moved, although less common. It is not typically negated.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it to introduce something that is not an example of the previous statement. Overusing it in close succession can also sound repetitive.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from as an example on Ludwig.guru.

"As an example, consider "Samurai!"" — nytimes.com

"Take travel as an example." — nytimes.com

"The genetic code serves as an example." — britannica.com

"As an example, he mentioned electronic commerce." — newyorker.com

"Take Meals on Wheels as an example." — theguardian.com

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/as+an+example

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
for example	More common and slightly less formal than "as an example".
for instance	Similar to "for example" but can sometimes imply a more specific and relevant case.
to illustrate	More formal and often used in academic or technical writing.
such as	Introduces specific examples directly within a sentence, often without a preceding clause.
consider	Directly invites the reader to think about a particular case as an example.
a case in point	Highlights a particularly relevant or strong example.
by way of example	More formal and emphatic way of introducing an example.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect placement of commas, especially when used medially.
• Using "as an example" when "for example" would be more appropriate due to register.
• Learners sometimes confuse it with similar phrases like 'for example' and use them interchangeably without considering the subtle differences in formality or emphasis.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
as an example	Additive (introduces an illustration)	Neutral	Initial, Medial

FAQs

Where can "as an example" be placed in a sentence?

"As an example" can typically appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, or in the middle of a sentence, set off by commas. While grammatically correct, placing it at the end of a sentence sounds less natural.

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How does "as an example" differ from "for example"?

While both introduce examples, "as an example" can sometimes carry a slightly more formal tone than "for example". The choice depends on the overall style and register of your writing, but the difference is often negligible.

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How do I avoid misusing "as an example" with similar phrases like "for example"?

To avoid confusion, consider the context and desired level of formality. While interchangeable in many cases, "as an example" might be preferred in slightly more formal settings or when you want to emphasize the illustrative nature of the following information. Always ensure the phrase logically connects to the preceding statement by introducing a relevant instance.