على سبيل المثال لا الحصر
'ala sabil al-mithal la al-hasr
For example, but not limited to
Meaning
Providing examples without excluding other possibilities.
Cultural Background
In many Arab countries, legal drafting relies heavily on classical Arabic structures to ensure there is no ambiguity. This phrase is a staple in the 'Civil Codes' of countries like Egypt and Jordan. Arabic academic writing (Bahth Ilmi) values comprehensive referencing. Using this phrase shows the researcher is aware of the wider field beyond their specific examples. Pan-Arab news channels like Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya use this phrase to maintain a high level of 'Fusha' while reporting complex global events. In Gulf business culture (Khaleeji), formal communication is highly respected. Using this phrase in a proposal to a government entity in Saudi Arabia or the UAE is seen as a sign of professionalism.
Placement is Key
Always place this phrase *after* you have mentioned at least one or two examples. It acts as a closing bracket for your list.
Don't use with 'Only'
Never use this phrase if you use the word 'فقط' (only) in the same sentence. It creates a logical contradiction.
Meaning
Providing examples without excluding other possibilities.
Placement is Key
Always place this phrase *after* you have mentioned at least one or two examples. It acts as a closing bracket for your list.
Don't use with 'Only'
Never use this phrase if you use the word 'فقط' (only) in the same sentence. It creates a logical contradiction.
The 'Fusha' Factor
Using this phrase correctly in a meeting will immediately signal to native speakers that you have studied formal Arabic (Fusha) seriously.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal phrase.
تقدم الجامعة تخصصات متنوعة، منها الطب والهندسة، ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.
The correct fixed expression is 'على سبيل المثال لا الحصر'.
Which of the following is the most appropriate context for this phrase?
أين نستخدم 'على سبيل المثال لا الحصر'؟
This is a formal phrase used in professional and legal contexts.
Match the phrase to its logical purpose.
ما هو الغرض من استخدام 'لا الحصر'؟
The phrase ensures the list is non-exhaustive.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesتقدم الجامعة تخصصات متنوعة، منها الطب والهندسة، ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.
The correct fixed expression is 'على سبيل المثال لا الحصر'.
أين نستخدم 'على سبيل المثال لا الحصر'؟
This is a formal phrase used in professional and legal contexts.
ما هو الغرض من استخدام 'لا الحصر'؟
The phrase ensures the list is non-exhaustive.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsOnly if you are being intentionally funny or if it's a very formal business text. Otherwise, it's too stiff.
It is always 'ala sabil' for examples. 'Fi sabil' usually means 'for the sake of' (e.g., for the sake of the country).
No, it is a fixed expression. It stays the same regardless of what you are listing.
The shortest version is just 'مثلاً' (mathalan), but it lacks the 'not limited to' nuance.
Yes, it is standard Modern Standard Arabic and is understood from Morocco to Iraq.
Related Phrases
بما في ذلك
similarIncluding
لا سيما
specialized formEspecially / Particularly
من قبيل
similarOf the sort of / Like
على وجه الخصوص
contrastSpecifically
