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、such as、like といった複数の選択肢があり、それぞれが持つ文法的役割、フォーマリティ（礼儀正しさの度合い）、そしてニュアンスは驚くほど異なります。for example は文全体を修飾する副詞的な役割を果たし、独立した思考を提示するのに適しています。一方で such as は、カテゴリーの構成要素を厳密に定義する際に威力を発揮します。そして like は、より口語的で親しみやすい響きを持ちつつ、厳密な分類よりも「類似性」に焦点を当てます。for example：文をつなぐ「論理の橋」for example は文法的には「接続副詞（conjunctive adverb）」に近い働きをします。これは、前の文で述べた一般論に対し、それを裏付ける具体的な「エピソード」や「完全な文」を導入するための合図です。日本語の「例を挙げますと、〜」という丁寧な導入に近い感覚です。文全体を修飾するため、文頭、文中、文末のどこにでも配置できる柔軟性がありますが、その分、適切なパンクチュエーション（句読点）が求められます。such as：カテゴリーを定義する「限定のツール」such as は、直前の名詞（カテゴリー）に含まれる具体的な「メンバー」を列挙するために使われます。文法的には前置詞のように機能し、後ろには必ず名詞または名詞句が続きます。日本語の「〜といった（もの）」や「〜などの」に相当しますが、英語ではその例示が「不可欠な情報（限定的）」なのか「単なる補足（非限定的）」なのかによって、カンマの有無が変わるという高度なルールが存在します。like：親しみやすさと「類似」のニュアンスlike も such as と同様に名詞の後に置かれますが、より口語的です。本質的な意味は「〜のような（似ているもの）」であり、厳密な分類学的な例示というよりは、聞き手がイメージしやすい「似たような例」をパッと提示する際に使われます。日本語の「〜みたいな」というニュアンスに非常に近いです。for example | such as | like |for example の配置と句読点- 文頭に置く場合（最も一般的）
[Statement]. For example, [Full Sentence].The company is expanding its global footprint. For example, it recently opened three new offices in Southeast Asia.For example の後に必ずカンマを置くのが鉄則です。- 文中（主語と動詞の間など）に挿入する場合
[Subject], for example, [Verb]...Small businesses, for example, often struggle with initial cash flow.- セミコロンを使用する場合
[Clause 1]; for example, [Clause 2].There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint; for example, you could switch to a renewable energy provider.such as の配置と句読点- 非限定的用法（補足情報：カンマあり）
Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are rich in Vitamin C.- 限定的用法（不可欠な情報：カンマなし）
Countries such as Japan and Germany have aging populations.such as 以下を消すと「（全ての）国々は高齢化している」となり、意味が変わってしまいます。like の配置like は通常、カンマを置かずに名詞の直後に置きます。I prefer fast-paced sports like basketball or soccer.for example を使うべき場面：論理の展開- 就活の面接（Job Interview）:
I have strong leadership skills. For example, in my previous role, I managed a team of ten through a major restructuring.for example がベストです。such as を使うべき場面：定義と分類- 社内規定の通達:
The budget covers essential expenses such as travel, accommodation, and meals.like を使うと「旅行みたいな費用」という曖昧な響きになり、経理上のトラブルの元になりかねません。like を使うべき場面：カジュアルな日常会話- ランチの相談:
I’m in the mood for something spicy, like Thai or Indian food.for example の後に名詞だけを置くミス- 間違い:
I like fruit, for example, apples. - 正解:
I like fruit, such as apples./I like fruit. For example, I eat an apple every morning. - 理由: 日本語の「例えば」は名詞を直接導けますが、英語の
for exampleは本来、副詞的に文を修飾するものです。名詞だけを繋ぐ場合はsuch asやlikeを使うのが自然です。
Like の乱用- 間違い:
Like, I told you before, we need to hurry. - 正解:
As I told you before.../For example, as I mentioned... - 理由: 若い世代のネイティブスピーカーは口癖として
Like, ...を文頭に置くことがありますが、これは「ええと」「なんていうか」というフィラー（つなぎ言葉）です。C1レベルのプロフェッショナルな文脈で例を挙げる際にこれを使うと、非常に幼い印象を与えてしまいます。
e.g. と for example の混同- 間違い:
In the meeting, he said e.g. we should cut costs.(発音して使う) - 正解:
In the meeting, he said, for example, that we should cut costs. - 理由:
e.g.はラテン語のexempli gratiaの略で、主に書き言葉（注釈や括弧内）で使用されます。スピーチやプレゼンでe.g.と発音したり、for exampleの代わりに口頭で使うのは不自然です。
We have two options, namely, to fight or to surrender. |The plan has flaws. Specifically, the funding remains unclear. |The price is $100, including tax. |For example よりさらにフォーマル。物語や図解を導入する。 | To illustrate this point, let us look at the following chart. |for example は文末に置いてもいいですか？You could try a different approach, for example.such as の後に etc. を付けてもいいですか？such as 自体が「〜など（他にもある）」という意味を含んでいるため、最後に etc. を付けると意味が重複（冗長）してしまいます。- 不自然:
Fruits such as apples, oranges, etc. - 自然:
Fruits such as apples and oranges.
like と such as は完全に置き換え可能ですか？Such as は「そのカテゴリーに含まれる実例」を指し、Like は「それと似たようなもの」を指します。学術論文では 100% such as を使うべきです。for instance と for example の違いは何ですか？for instance の方がわずかに具体的、あるいは「ある特定の状況（instance）」を指す傾向があります。実用上は、同じ文章の中で for example が続いてしまう場合に、バリエーションを持たせるために使い分けるのが賢い方法です。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
| フレーズ | 使い方 | フォーマル度 | 句読点 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
For example
|
一般的な説明、具体的な事例
|
多用途（フォーマル／インフォーマル）
|
通常コンマで区切る
|
|
Such as
|
カテゴリ内の具体的な項目をリストアップ
|
中〜高
|
不可欠ならコンマなし、補足ならコンマあり
|
|
Like
|
カジュアルな比較、簡単な例、類似性
|
インフォーマル
|
多くの場合コンマなし（会話の区切りを示すことも）
|
|
E.g.
|
『for example』のラテン語略、網羅的ではないリスト
|
フォーマル／学術的
|
多くの場合括弧内、または文の後に続く
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
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)
例を挙げる様々な方法
フォーマル／多用途
- For example 具体的な説明を導入する。
- E.g. ラテン語で『例えば』、網羅的ではない。
例をリストアップする
- Such as カテゴリからの項目を導入する（よりフォーマル）。
インフォーマル／比較
- Like カジュアルな例または比較（～に似ている）。
例を挙げるフレーズ：どれを選ぶ？
例を挙げるフレーズの選び方
一般的な説明や完全なアイデアを紹介していますか？
カテゴリに属する特定の項目をリストアップしていますか？
文脈はインフォーマルですか、それとも直接的な比較をしていますか？
例を挙げるフレーズの活用
学術論文
- • For example
- • Such as
- • E.g.
ビジネス／プロフェッショナル
- • For example
- • Such as
カジュアルな会話
- • For example
- • Like
テキストメッセージ／SNS
- • Like
- • For example
レベル別の例文
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.
間違えやすい
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.
よくある間違い
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.
文型パターン
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.
Vary Your Phrases
for example, such as, and like interchangeably makes your writing and speaking more dynamic and engaging. Don't get stuck on just one; choose the best fit for your context.」Avoid 'Like' in Formal Writing
such as or for example for formality and clarity.」Punctuation is Power
for example. They often separate it from the main clause. With such as, decide if the example is essential (no comma) or non-essential (comma) to the main statement.」The Nuance of 'Like'
Use 'E.g.' for Brevity
e.g. (exempli gratia) is an excellent, concise alternative to for example, especially when providing a short, non-exhaustive list of instances.」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'.
発音
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.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember 'F.L.S.' - Formal (For instance), Loose (Like), Standard (Such as).
視覚的連想
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
チャレンジ
Write three sentences about your favorite city using 'for instance', 'such as', and 'like' correctly in each.
文化メモ
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'.
会話のきっかけ
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.
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
Many birds, ___ sparrows and robins, are common in this park.
Choose the correct sentence:
Find and fix the mistake:
She has many skills, like coding and problem-solving, that are useful.
Translate into English: 'Disfruto de muchas frutas, por ejemplo, manzanas y plátanos.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Score: /4
練習問題
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
よくある質問 (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
1
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
関連動画
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