By way of example
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use it to introduce evidence or stories that clarify your main point in professional settings.
Em 15 segundos
- Introduces a specific illustration or case.
- Sounds professional and highly organized.
- A sophisticated alternative to 'for example'.
Significado
A slightly formal way to introduce a specific case or story that helps explain a general point you just made.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Presenting sales data
Our strategy is working. By way of example, look at our growth in Asia.
Our strategy is working. For example, look at our growth in Asia.
Explaining a personal habit
I'm trying to be healthier. By way of example, I ran five miles today.
I'm trying to be healthier. As an example, I ran five miles today.
A formal job interview
I handle stress well. By way of example, I once managed three projects alone.
I handle stress well. To give an example, I once managed three projects alone.
Contexto cultural
This phrase is a hallmark of structured, logical communication in Western business culture. It reflects a cultural preference for evidence-based arguments and clear, linear explanations. It is often used by leaders to ensure their vision is understood by everyone in the room.
The Punctuation Trick
Always put a comma after the phrase if it starts your sentence. It gives your listener a tiny second to prepare for your example.
Don't Repeat Yourself
If you use this phrase, don't also say 'for example' in the same sentence. It sounds redundant and a bit messy.
Em 15 segundos
- Introduces a specific illustration or case.
- Sounds professional and highly organized.
- A sophisticated alternative to 'for example'.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a fancy bridge. It connects your big idea to a real-life story. It tells your listener, "Hey, here is some proof." It is much more elegant than just saying for example. It makes you sound like you really know your stuff. Use it when you want to clarify a complex thought.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase right at the start of a sentence. Or, put it after you make a big claim. It works best when you have a specific story ready. Don't just say it and stop. Follow it up with a clear, punchy fact. It acts like a spotlight for your next sentence. It helps your audience focus on your evidence.
When To Use It
Use it during a job interview to show off your skills. Use it in a meeting when the boss looks confused. It is great when you are explaining a difficult concept. Even at dinner, it works if you are telling a long story. It helps keep everyone on the same page. It shows you are a logical thinker.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in very short, casual text messages. If you are just asking for a coffee, keep it simple. Don't use it if you don't actually have an example. That makes things awkward very fast. Also, don't use it five times in one minute. You will sound like a robot from a 90s movie. Keep it special for important points.
Cultural Background
This phrase feels very "Old World" and academic. It comes from a time when formal rhetoric was highly valued. In English-speaking offices, it is a "power phrase." It suggests that you have done your homework. It is common in London boardrooms and New York law firms. It adds a layer of authority to your voice.
Common Variations
You might hear people say as an illustration. Others might use the classic for instance. If you want to be very short, use case in point. If you want to be super formal, try to provide an illustration. But by way of example is the perfect middle ground. It sounds smart without being too stiff.
Notas de uso
This is a high-level transition phrase. Use it when you want to sound authoritative and organized, but avoid it in very casual or rapid-fire conversations.
The Punctuation Trick
Always put a comma after the phrase if it starts your sentence. It gives your listener a tiny second to prepare for your example.
Don't Repeat Yourself
If you use this phrase, don't also say 'for example' in the same sentence. It sounds redundant and a bit messy.
The 'Power' Move
In English-speaking business culture, using this phrase can actually make people listen more closely. It signals that you have facts, not just opinions.
Exemplos
6Our strategy is working. By way of example, look at our growth in Asia.
Our strategy is working. For example, look at our growth in Asia.
Used here to introduce a specific successful region.
I'm trying to be healthier. By way of example, I ran five miles today.
I'm trying to be healthier. As an example, I ran five miles today.
Adds a bit of weight to a personal achievement.
I handle stress well. By way of example, I once managed three projects alone.
I handle stress well. To give an example, I once managed three projects alone.
Shows the interviewer you have concrete evidence for your claims.
I am so clumsy today. By way of example, I just dropped my phone in soup.
I am so clumsy today. For instance, I just dropped my phone in soup.
The formal phrase makes the silly situation sound funnier.
You are so supportive. By way of example, thank you for listening last night.
You are so supportive. For example, thank you for listening last night.
Used to highlight a specific moment of kindness.
The director is very creative. By way of example, the lighting was incredible.
The director is very creative. For example, the lighting was incredible.
Helps focus the conversation on a specific detail.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence to sound professional in a meeting.
We need to cut costs. ___, we could reduce our travel budget.
This phrase fits the professional tone of a budget meeting perfectly.
Choose the best phrase to introduce evidence of someone's kindness.
She is very generous. ___, she donated her entire bonus to charity.
This phrase correctly signals that a specific example of generosity is coming.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of Giving Examples
Used with friends or in quick texts.
Like...
Standard everyday English.
For example...
Used in speeches, meetings, and essays.
By way of example...
Used in legal or academic papers.
To provide an illustration of this point...
When to say 'By way of example'
Job Interview
Explaining your past successes.
Public Speaking
Clarifying a point for the audience.
Academic Writing
Supporting a thesis statement.
Serious Discussion
Proving a point during a debate.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it means the same thing. However, by way of example is more formal and structured.
Absolutely! It is perfect for professional emails where you need to explain a decision or a plan.
Not at all. It sounds educated and precise, which is usually a good thing in professional settings.
No, it almost always comes before the example. For example: By way of example, let's look at this chart.
Yes, it is used in both American and British English, especially in business and law.
You can, but it might sound a bit serious. Sometimes people use it jokingly to sound like a professor.
You can use for instance or just for example if you want to be quicker.
It is better for introducing one strong story or fact rather than a long list of items.
Yes, it is a great transition phrase for university-level writing.
No, the phrase stays the same even if you are giving multiple examples.
Frases relacionadas
For instance
A very common and slightly less formal way to give an example.
To illustrate
A verb-based way to show you are about to provide a visual or clear example.
Case in point
A phrase used to show that the thing you just mentioned is a perfect example.
Such as
Used to list examples within a sentence rather than starting a new one.
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