Donner des Exemples : For Example, Like, Such As
sophisticated.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'for example' to start sentences, 'such as' for lists, and 'like' for casual comparisons or informal speech.
- Use 'for example' or 'for instance' followed by a comma to introduce a full sentence.
- Use 'such as' to introduce specific items within a category in formal writing.
- Use 'like' for informal examples or when comparing things that are similar.
Overview
for example, like et such as semblent interchangeables, mais ils cachent des nuances stylistiques et grammaticales cruciales. Si vous utilisez like dans une thèse universitaire, vous risquez de paraître familier, alors que such as y est parfaitement approprié. Comprendre ces différences est essentiel pour naviguer entre le café entre amis et une présentation professionnelle au bureau.like partout, tout comme nous utilisons « comme » à toutes les sauces en français. Or, en anglais, le choix du connecteur définit votre autorité sur le sujet. Apprendre à utiliser ces outils, c'est comme apprendre à choisir le bon vin au restaurant : cela demande de la finesse et une compréhension du contexte culturel.For example est un connecteur logique qui introduit une illustration complète, souvent une phrase entière qui vient soutenir une idée abstraite. C'est l'équivalent de notre « par exemple » placé en début de phrase ou en incise.Such as est une préposition qui fonctionne comme un « sous-ensemble ». Il est beaucoup plus précis que like. En français, nous traduisons souvent such as par « tel que » ou « comme ».such as implique une appartenance catégorielle stricte. Si vous dites « I love fruits such as mangoes », vous définissez les mangues comme faisant partie de la catégorie des fruits que vous aimez. C'est une structure très utilisée dans le langage formel et académique.Like, en revanche, est le couteau suisse de l'anglais informel. Il exprime la similitude. Si vous dites « I like sports like football », vous dites en réalité que vous aimez des sports *qui ressemblent* au football ou qui entrent dans cette catégorie de manière informelle.like dans tous les contextes. En anglais, like est souvent perçu comme un marqueur de langage parlé, parfois même comme un « remplisseur » (filler word) chez les jeunes locuteurs. Pour un niveau C1, il est crucial de savoir quand le laisser de côté au profit de such as pour paraître plus professionnel.For example | Toujours séparé par une virgule | Introduit une idée complète |Such as | Pas de virgule si restrictif | Définit une catégorie |Like | Pas de virgule (informel) | Similitude ou exemple rapide |- 1
For example:The project was delayed.
(Notez le point avant et la virgule après).For example, the supply chain was disrupted. - 2
Such as(restrictif) :Languages
(Pas de virgule, car on restreint les langues aux deux citées).such asSpanish and Mandarin are widely spoken. - 3
Like:I enjoy hobbies
(Usage courant, informel).likehiking or photography.
for example lorsque vous voulez illustrer une idée abstraite par un exemple concret qui nécessite une explication. C'est l'outil idéal pour les essais, les articles de blog ou les présentations orales où vous devez « prouver » votre point. Par exemple : « The economy is struggling; for example, inflation has reached record levels.such as dans tout document écrit formel, rapport de travail ou contexte académique. C'est le marqueur de la précision. Si vous écrivez un e-mail à votre manager pour proposer des solutions, dites : « We should consider new marketing channels, such as social media advertising and influencer partnerships.like pour vos conversations au café, vos échanges sur les réseaux sociaux ou avec vos amis. C'est un terme qui humanise votre discours mais qui manque de poids intellectuel. Si vous l'utilisez dans un contexte trop formel, vous risquez de paraître moins préparé ou moins sérieux.- 1L'interférence du « comme » : Les francophones utilisent « comme » pour tout. En anglais, dire « I want a job like teaching » est incorrect si vous voulez dire « un travail *tel que* l'enseignement ». Il faut dire « a job
such asteaching ». Lelikecrée une comparaison de nature,such ascrée une inclusion dans une catégorie. - 2La virgule après
like: En français, nous avons tendance à mettre une virgule avant « comme » dans certaines structures. En anglais, on ne met jamais de virgule avantlikequand il introduit un exemple. C'est une erreur classique de ponctuation due au transfert de la ponctuation française. - 3
For exampleen milieu de phrase sans ponctuation : Beaucoup oublient les deux virgules (ex: « The results,for examplethe revenue, were good »). En français, on peut parfois être plus laxiste sur l'incise, mais en anglais, l'absence de virgules autour defor exampleest considérée comme une faute de syntaxe majeure.
Like | Comme (similitude) | Such as |For example | Par exemple | For instance |Namely | À savoir (précision) | Specifically |For instance est un synonyme parfait de for example, mais il est souvent perçu comme légèrement plus formel. Si vous voulez varier votre vocabulaire, alternez entre les deux. En revanche, ne confondez jamais namely avec such as.Namely sert à nommer précisément ce dont vous venez de parler, tandis que such as ne donne qu'une liste partielle d'exemples.like au début d'une phrase ?For example ou For instance à la place.such as et including ?Including suggère que les éléments font partie d'un tout, tandis que such as se concentre sur l'exemplification. Les deux sont souvent interchangeables, mais such as est plus élégant.such as ?Placement and Punctuation of Exemplifiers
| Connector | Position | Punctuation | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
|
For example
|
Start of sentence
|
Followed by a comma
|
Neutral/Formal
|
|
For instance
|
Start of sentence
|
Followed by a comma
|
Formal
|
|
Such as
|
Middle of sentence
|
Comma before (if non-essential)
|
Formal
|
|
Like
|
Middle of sentence
|
Usually no comma
|
Informal
|
|
e.g.
|
Inside parentheses
|
Periods after letters, comma after
|
Technical/Written
|
|
Including
|
Middle of sentence
|
Often preceded by a comma
|
Neutral
|
Common Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Latin | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
e.g.
|
Exempli gratia
|
For example
|
|
i.e.
|
Id est
|
That is / In other words
|
|
viz.
|
Videlicet
|
Namely / Specifically
|
Meanings
The use of specific words and phrases to introduce instances that illustrate a general statement or category.
Sentence-Level Exemplification
Using a connector to introduce a complete sentence that serves as an example of a previous point.
“The company has faced many challenges. For example, the recent supply chain issues delayed production by months.”
“Exercise is vital for health. For instance, a daily walk can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness.”
Intra-sentential Listing
Introducing a list of examples within a sentence to define a category.
“Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are high in Vitamin C.”
“Large predators, such as lions and tigers, require vast territories to hunt.”
Informal Comparison/Listing
Using 'like' to provide examples in casual conversation or less formal writing.
“I love spicy food, like Thai or Mexican.”
“She has a lot of hobbies, like painting and hiking.”
Written Abbreviations
Using Latin-derived abbreviations in formal or technical writing.
“The study focused on several European countries (e.g., France, Germany, and Italy).”
“Please bring the necessary equipment, e.g., a laptop and a charger.”
Reference Table
| Expression | Usage | Formalité | Ponctuation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
For example
|
Illustration générale, instance spécifique
|
Polyvalent (formel/informel)
|
Généralement encadré par des virgules
|
|
Such as
|
Introduit des listes d'éléments spécifiques d'une catégorie
|
Moyenne à Élevée
|
Pas de virgule si essentiel, virgule si non essentiel
|
|
Like
|
Comparaison informelle, exemple rapide ou similarité
|
Informel
|
Souvent pas de virgule (peut indiquer une pause conversationnelle)
|
|
E.g.
|
Abréviation latine pour 'for example', liste non exhaustive
|
Formel/Académique
|
Souvent entre parenthèses ou après une déclaration
|
Spectre de formalité
One should consume nutrient-dense foods, such as kale. (Health advice)
You should eat healthy food, for example, kale. (Health advice)
You should eat healthy stuff, like kale. (Health advice)
Get some superfoods in ya, like kale and stuff. (Health advice)
Façons de Donner des Exemples
Formel/Polyvalent
- For example Introduit une illustration spécifique.
- E.g. Latin pour 'for example', non exhaustif.
Lister des Exemples
- Such as Introduit des éléments d'une catégorie (plus formel).
Informel/Comparaison
- Like Exemple occasionnel ou comparaison (similaire à).
Expressions d'Exemple : Laquelle Choisir ?
Choisir ton Expression d'Exemple
Introduis-tu une illustration générale ou une idée complète ?
Listes-tu des éléments spécifiques qui appartiennent à une catégorie ?
Le contexte est-il informel, ou fais-tu une comparaison directe ?
Expressions d'Exemple en Action
Écriture Académique
- • For example
- • Such as
- • E.g.
Affaires/Professionnel
- • For example
- • Such as
Conversation Décontractée
- • For example
- • Like
Messages/Réseaux Sociaux
- • Like
- • For example
Exemples par niveau
I like pets like dogs.
I like pets like dogs.
For example, I play football.
For example, I play football.
I eat fruit, like an orange.
I eat fruit, like an orange.
She has toys, for example, a doll.
She has toys, for example, a doll.
I want to visit countries like Italy.
I want to visit countries like Italy.
He is good at sports. For example, he swims well.
He is good at sports. For example, he swims well.
You need tools, such as a hammer.
You need tools, such as a hammer.
I like cold drinks, for instance, iced tea.
I like cold drinks, for instance, iced tea.
The city has many problems, such as pollution.
The city has many problems, such as pollution.
There are many ways to save energy. For instance, you can turn off the lights.
There are many ways to save energy. For instance, you can turn off the lights.
I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Some animals, for example, the panda, are endangered.
Some animals, for example, the panda, are endangered.
Large corporations, such as Google and Apple, dominate the market.
Large corporations, such as Google and Apple, dominate the market.
The policy has several flaws; for example, it ignores the needs of rural communities.
The policy has several flaws; for example, it ignores the needs of rural communities.
You should bring identification (e.g., a passport or driver's license).
You should bring identification (e.g., a passport or driver's license).
He has a lot of experience in the field, for instance, working for three years in Dubai.
He has a lot of experience in the field, for instance, working for three years in Dubai.
The curriculum focuses on STEM subjects, such as advanced calculus and organic chemistry.
The curriculum focuses on STEM subjects, such as advanced calculus and organic chemistry.
Cognitive biases, for instance, the confirmation bias, can skew research results.
Cognitive biases, for instance, the confirmation bias, can skew research results.
The legislation was designed to curb unethical practices; for example, it prohibits insider trading.
The legislation was designed to curb unethical practices; for example, it prohibits insider trading.
Many modernist writers, such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, experimented with stream of consciousness.
Many modernist writers, such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, experimented with stream of consciousness.
The socio-economic ramifications, for example, the widening wealth gap, are profound.
The socio-economic ramifications, for example, the widening wealth gap, are profound.
The project requires specialized software (e.g., AutoCAD or Revit) for architectural modeling.
The project requires specialized software (e.g., AutoCAD or Revit) for architectural modeling.
The treaty addresses several environmental concerns, namely carbon emissions and deforestation.
The treaty addresses several environmental concerns, namely carbon emissions and deforestation.
One might argue that certain linguistic features, such as the use of the subjunctive mood, are declining in colloquial speech.
One might argue that certain linguistic features, such as the use of the subjunctive mood, are declining in colloquial speech.
Facile à confondre
Learners use 'i.e.' when they mean 'for example'. 'i.e.' means 'that is' (clarification), while 'e.g.' means 'for example' (illustration).
Learners use 'like' to introduce a clause, but 'as' is traditionally required for clauses.
Learners use 'such as' when they are listing every single item in a category.
Erreurs courantes
I like fruit for example apples.
I like fruit. For example, apples.
I like pets such like dogs.
I like pets such as dogs.
I like sports like, football.
I like sports like football.
For example I am happy.
For example, I am happy.
He has many cars, for example, a Ford.
He has many cars; for example, a Ford.
I like fruits like apples, etc.
I like fruits like apples.
Such as I said, it is raining.
As I said, it is raining.
The company sells electronics, e.g. phones.
The company sells electronics, e.g., phones.
I need a person such as can help me.
I need a person who can help me.
I like movies, for instance, horror.
I like movies—for instance, horror.
The study included several variables such as, age and gender.
The study included several variables, such as age and gender.
We discussed the main issues, namely, the budget.
We discussed the main issues, namely the budget.
He loves poets like Shakespeare.
He loves poets such as Shakespeare.
The results (i.e. the data) were good.
The results (e.g., the data) were good.
Structures de phrases
I enjoy ___ like ___ and ___.
There are many ___; for example, ___.
The company faces several ___, such as ___ and ___.
One must consider the ___; for instance, ___.
Real World Usage
Several factors, such as socioeconomic status, influence educational outcomes.
Do you want to see a movie like the new Marvel one?
I have extensive experience; for instance, I led the marketing team for two years.
Ensure all peripherals (e.g., mouse, keyboard) are connected.
Do you have any dairy-free options, such as almond milk?
I love autumn colors, like the deep reds and oranges of the leaves.
Varie Tes Expressions
for example, such as et like rendra ta communication plus riche. Ne te limite pas à une seule expression ; choisis celle qui convient le mieux au contexte. I like many genres, such as fantasy and sci-fi, for example.
Évite 'Like' Dans l'Écrit Formel
like est super pour les conversations entre amis, évite-le dans les écrits formels, comme les essais académiques ou les e-mails professionnels. Préfère such as ou for example pour être plus clair et plus formel. "Formal documents use 'such as' to list items."La Ponctuation, C'est le Pouvoir
for example. Elles le séparent souvent de la phrase principale. Avec such as, la virgule dépend si l'exemple est essentiel ou non à ta phrase. He has many hobbies, for example, cooking.
La Nuance de 'Like'
like est parfois utilisé comme un mot de remplissage (discourse marker). Sois conscient de cet usage, mais utilise-le avec modération pour rester clair et éviter d'avoir l'air d'hésiter. It was, like, really good.
Utilise 'E.g.' Pour la Brièveté
e.g. (exempli gratia) est une excellente alternative concise à for example, surtout pour une liste courte et non exhaustive. Some countries (e.g., France, Germany) are in Europe.
Smart Tips
Try replacing every second 'like' with 'such as' or 'for instance' to instantly sound more professional.
Use 'e.g.' followed by a comma. It looks cleaner and more technical.
Use 'For instance' at the start of the sentence to give the reader a clear signal.
Use 'particularly' or 'specifically' instead of 'such as'.
Prononciation
Parenthetical Intonation
When 'for example' is in the middle of a sentence, your pitch should drop slightly and you should pause briefly before and after.
The 'Such as' Glide
In 'such as', the 'ch' and 'a' often link together in fast speech.
Rising-Falling for Examples
I like fruit, ↗ such as ↘ apples.
The rising tone on 'such as' prepares the listener for the list.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Remember 'F.L.S.' - Formal (For instance), Loose (Like), Standard (Such as).
Association visuelle
Imagine a magnifying glass hovering over a large group of items, highlighting just one or two specific ones. The magnifying glass is the connector.
Rhyme
When writing for a boss, 'such as' is the gloss; when talking to a mate, 'like' is really great.
Story
A professor (Formal) uses 'Such as' to explain physics. A student (Informal) uses 'Like' to explain his weekend. They both use 'For example' to meet in the middle.
Word Web
Défi
Write three sentences about your favorite city using 'for instance', 'such as', and 'like' correctly in each.
Notes culturelles
In US academic circles, 'e.g.' and 'i.e.' are strictly differentiated. Using them interchangeably is seen as a sign of poor editing.
British English is often more relaxed about the comma after 'e.g.' compared to American English.
Using 'for instance' instead of 'for example' can make you sound more sophisticated and persuasive in a boardroom setting.
'Such as' comes from Middle English 'swich as'. 'For example' is a direct translation of the Latin 'exempli gratia'.
Amorces de conversation
What are some hobbies you'd like to try, such as skydiving or painting?
Can you name some global issues, for instance, climate change, that worry you?
In your professional opinion, what are the traits of a good leader, such as empathy or decisiveness?
Discuss the impact of disruptive technologies, for example, AI, on the modern workforce.
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
Many birds, ___ sparrows and robins, are common in this park.
Such as est le choix le plus approprié ici pour introduire des exemples spécifiques de 'nombreux oiseaux'. C'est le plus précis !Choose the correct sentence:
Such as introduit correctement 'basketball' comme exemple de 'sports'. Like serait informel ici, et for example a besoin d'une ponctuation correcte. Vise la précision !Find and fix the mistake:
She has many skills, like coding and problem-solving, that are useful.
such as est plus formel et précis que like. La virgule est facultative selon que la liste est essentielle ou non essentielle. C'est une question de style et de contexte !Translate into English: 'Disfruto de muchas frutas, por ejemplo, manzanas y plátanos.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Such as ou for example sont tous deux de bonnes options pour introduire des exemples d'une catégorie. N'oublie pas les virgules avec for example. Deux options pour le prix d'une !Score: /4
Exercices pratiques
8 exercisesThe government has implemented several new taxes, ___ the carbon tax.
Find and fix the mistake:
I love winter sports, for example, skiing is my favorite.
Please bring your ID (___, a passport).
I like fruits like apples.
You should use 'etc.' at the end of a list that starts with 'such as'.
Select the sentence-starting connectors.
A: Why do you like this city? B: Well, it has great culture. ___, there are many museums.
Connect the pairs.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesWe need certain ingredients, ___ flour and sugar, for the cake recipe.
Arrange these words into a sentence: ['example,', 'For', 'she', 'reads', 'historical', 'fiction', 'loves', 'books.']
He has many hobbies, like playing guitar and painting, to relax.
Translate into English: 'Ella tiene varias mascotas, como perros y gatos.'
Which sentence is correct?
Match the example phrase with its formality:
The company offers various benefits, ___ health insurance and paid leave, to its employees.
Arrange these words into a sentence: ['skills', 'like', 'Problem-solving', 'and', 'are', 'communication', 'crucial', 'for', 'this', 'role.']
Find and fix the mistake: 'She loves animals, for example a cat or a dog, living with her.'
Translate into English: 'Muchos países europeos, por ejemplo Francia y Alemania, son parte de la UE.'
Which sentence correctly uses an example phrase?
Match the phrase with its use:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
It is generally discouraged. Use `such as` or `for instance` instead to maintain a formal tone.
`e.g.` stands for 'exempli gratia' (for example), while `i.e.` stands for 'id est' (that is). Use `e.g.` for a list of examples and `i.e.` for a definition or clarification.
Yes, when it starts a sentence or follows a semicolon, a comma is required to set it off from the rest of the sentence.
They are very similar, but `for instance` is often perceived as slightly more formal or sophisticated in professional writing.
Generally, no. `Such as` is a prepositional phrase that should follow the noun it is illustrating. Use `For example` to start a sentence.
Because `such as` already indicates that you are providing a partial list. Adding `etc.` is repetitive and considered poor style.
The correct phrase is `such as`. `Such like` is non-standard and should be avoided.
The comma goes *before* `such as`, never after it. For example: 'I like fruit, such as apples.'
Scaffolded Practice
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2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
por ejemplo / como
English distinguishes between 'like' (preposition) and 'as' (conjunction).
par exemple / comme
French 'comme' is used more broadly than English 'like'.
zum Beispiel / wie
German 'wie' can also mean 'how', leading to different sentence structures.
tatoeba / nado
Japanese uses particles and end-of-sentence markers for examples.
mathalan / mithla
Arabic exemplifiers can change form based on the case of the noun.
liru / xiang
Chinese does not use commas as strictly as English for these connectors.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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