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'For example' is a connector introducing a separate example; 'such as' introduces examples within the same clause.
Side-by-side comparison
"For example" introduces an example that illustrates or clarifies what you just said. It usually goes at the start of a sentence or between commas.
There are many ways to improve your English. For example, watching films without subtitles is very effective.
Some languages have very complex verb systems. Spanish, for instance, has far more tenses than English.
You can stay active without going to a gym. For example, cycling to work is great exercise.
"Such as" sits inside the sentence and introduces examples directly embedded in the text without interrupting the flow. It does not need a semicolon or double comma.
Eating more fruits such as apples, berries, and oranges can improve your energy levels.
She plays several instruments such as the piano, the guitar, and the flute.
Cities such as Tokyo and New York are famous for their fast pace and public transport.
Common mistake
- •"Such as for example" is redundant and wrong: choose one.
- •And "such as" only precedes nouns, never clauses with a verb: "companies such as they use AI" is wrong.
- •For an example with its own verb: "for example, Google allows..." For a noun list: "companies such as Google and Apple".
Trick to remember it
- •Does what follows have its own subject + verb? "For example, ..." Does what follows consist of nouns only, no verb? "Such as Google, Apple..." Comma rule: "for example" always between commas or at the start with a comma.
- •"Such as" takes a comma before but not always after.
Quick rule
- •"For example" + clause with its own verb.
- •"Such as" + noun(s) without a verb.
- •Never "such as for example" or "such as [verb]".
Did you know?
The use of "like" as "for example" is one of the most famous prescriptive debates in English. Purists argue that "like" is a preposition and can only compare, not exemplify. However, in contemporary colloquial American English, "companies like Apple and Google" to give examples is fully accepted even in semi-formal contexts. Practical rule: in legal, academic, or very formal documents → "such as". In general business English → "like" is acceptable.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
She loves Italian food, _____ pizza and pasta.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Some countries, _____ Japan and South Korea, have very advanced public transport.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
'As' introduces a role or comparison with a full clause; 'like' introduces similarity and is followed by a noun.
'As a result' introduces a factual consequence; 'therefore' expresses a logical conclusion or inference.
'Because' introduces the main cause or a new reason; 'since' and 'as' introduce secondary or already-known reasons.
'A' is used before consonant sounds; 'an' is used before vowel sounds.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy