par exemple

You can drop this phrase almost anywhere. It is incredibly flexible. You can start a sentence with it. You can tuck it into the middle. You can even tack it onto the very end. It usually follows the general statement you want to clarify. If you are suggesting a time to meet, just add it after the time. It makes your suggestion feel less rigid and more like an invitation.

Use it when you are ordering food at a restaurant. Use it when you are planning a trip with friends. It is perfect for professional meetings when you need to provide data. It is also great for texting. If you are explaining a rule or a preference, this is your go-to phrase. It works in every social setting you can imagine.

Do not use it when you mean "actually" or "however." It is strictly for providing instances. Avoid using it if you are already using the word comme (like) to list things. Using both can sound a bit repetitive. Also, do not use it to mean "for free," which is gratuit. It only deals with examples, not costs!

French culture values logic and precise expression. This phrase is the backbone of that precision. It has been used for centuries in philosophy and daily life. Interestingly, in older French, it was sometimes used as an exclamation of surprise. You might hear an older person say "Ah ça, par exemple !" to mean "Well, I never!" Today, however, it is almost exclusively used for its literal meaning.

In written French, you will often see the abbreviation p. ex.. It is the equivalent of the English "e.g." In very casual speech, people might just use comme. But par exemple remains the most versatile and respected choice. It never goes out of style.