In 15 Seconds
- Means 'for example' or 'for instance'.
- Can be placed at the start, middle, or end.
- Perfect for all situations, from business to texting.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say 'for example' or 'for instance.' It helps you point to a specific case to explain a bigger idea.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering at a café
Je voudrais une boisson chaude, un thé par exemple.
I would like a hot drink, a tea for example.
Suggesting a meeting time
Nous pourrions nous voir demain, à quatorze heures par exemple.
We could meet tomorrow, at 2 PM for example.
Texting a friend about plans
On sort ce soir ? On peut aller au ciné par exemple.
Are we going out tonight? We could go to the cinema for example.
Cultural Background
In French education, 'l'exemple' is the pillar of the 'Dissertation' (the standard essay). A point without an example is considered invalid. In Quebec, 'par exemple' is often used at the end of a sentence to mean 'though' or 'however' (similar to 'par contre').
Punctuation Matters
Always put a comma before 'par exemple' if it's in the middle of a sentence. It helps the listener/reader pause.
Spelling Trap
Don't write 'example' with an 'a'. It's one of the most common spelling errors for English learners.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'for example' or 'for instance'.
- Can be placed at the start, middle, or end.
- Perfect for all situations, from business to texting.
What It Means
par exemple is your ultimate tool for clarity. It acts like a bridge. It connects a general thought to a specific detail. Think of it as a spotlight for your ideas. It tells your listener, "Here is a concrete piece of evidence."
How To Use It
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.
When To Use It
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.
When NOT To Use It
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!
Cultural Background
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.
Common Variations
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.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and universally understood. Be careful not to use 'pour exemple'—the preposition must always be 'par'.
Punctuation Matters
Always put a comma before 'par exemple' if it's in the middle of a sentence. It helps the listener/reader pause.
Spelling Trap
Don't write 'example' with an 'a'. It's one of the most common spelling errors for English learners.
Examples
6Je voudrais une boisson chaude, un thé par exemple.
I would like a hot drink, a tea for example.
Here, it is used at the end of the sentence to specify the choice.
Nous pourrions nous voir demain, à quatorze heures par exemple.
We could meet tomorrow, at 2 PM for example.
It makes the suggestion sound flexible and polite.
On sort ce soir ? On peut aller au ciné par exemple.
Are we going out tonight? We could go to the cinema for example.
Very common in casual texts to offer ideas.
Il est très actif... pour dormir, par exemple !
He is very active... at sleeping, for example!
Used here to create a punchline by providing a funny example.
Tu ne m'aides jamais ! Ce matin, par exemple, j'ai tout fait seul.
You never help me! This morning, for example, I did everything alone.
Used to provide evidence for a complaint.
Choisissez un adjectif, 'grand' par exemple.
Choose an adjective, 'big' for example.
Standard instructional use.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
J'aime les fruits, ___ exemple les bananes.
'Par exemple' is a fixed phrase. 'Pour' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Type the missing word (watch your spelling!).
Tu peux choisir un dessert, par ______.
In French, 'exemple' is spelled with an 'e', not an 'a'.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Mais par exemple ! C'est incroyable !
In this specific construction, 'par exemple' acts as an exclamation of shock.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Qu'est-ce qu'on achète pour la fête ? B: On peut acheter des boissons, ______ du jus d'orange.
B is providing a specific instance of 'boissons'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJ'aime les fruits, ___ exemple les bananes.
'Par exemple' is a fixed phrase. 'Pour' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Tu peux choisir un dessert, par ______.
In French, 'exemple' is spelled with an 'e', not an 'a'.
Mais par exemple ! C'est incroyable !
In this specific construction, 'par exemple' acts as an exclamation of shock.
A: Qu'est-ce qu'on achète pour la fête ? B: On peut acheter des boissons, ______ du jus d'orange.
B is providing a specific instance of 'boissons'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, absolutely! It's a great way to start a sentence when you are answering a question or expanding on a previous thought.
Not really. In texting, people usually just type 'par ex' or just 'comme'. 'p. ex.' is for formal documents.
'Notamment' is more formal and usually means 'especially' or 'in particular'. Use 'par exemple' for general instances.
Related Phrases
notamment
synonymnotably / especially
ainsi
similarthus / in this way
par contre
contraston the other hand
