Cool MateFor example vs For instance vs Like vs Like what
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
For example
For instance
Like
Like what
| For example | For instance | Like | Like what | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fə ˈɪɡzɑːmpl//🇺🇸 //fɔr ˈɛɡzæmpəl// | 🇬🇧 //fɔːr ˈɪn.stəns//🇺🇸 //fɔr ˈɪn.stəns// | 🇬🇧 /["/laɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/laɪk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //laɪk wɒt//🇺🇸 //laɪk wɑt// |
| Meaning | Something you say to give an illustration. | For example | to enjoy or be pleased by something | Used to ask for more information or clarification. |
| Example | Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for example, oranges are high in vitamin C. | You can learn a lot from books, for instance, history books. | I like chocolate ice cream. | I'm working on a project. Like what are you doing specifically? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | High-frequency chunk | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | - | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | preposition | |||
| Collocations | provide for example, use for example, give for example, say for example | for instance, consider, for instance, look at, for instance, such as, for instance, you might, for instance, this includes | like to eat, like a friend, like doing, like music, like the weather | like what kinds, like what examples, like what activities |
| Antonyms | - | - | dislike, hate, detest | - |
| Common mistakes | Often omitted in lists of examples where it is needed., Misplaced within sentences, disrupting the flow., Confused with 'such as', which introduces a specific example. | 'For instance' is often confused with 'for example', but both are acceptable., Learners sometimes omit commas before or after 'for instance'., Use with complete sentences; avoid fragments. | Omitting the object, e.g. 'I like' instead of 'I like pizza'., Using 'like' in place of 'such as' when giving examples., Confusing 'like' with 'as' in comparative sentences. | Using it in formal writing., Confusing it with similar phrases like 'such as'., Not following it with an explanation or example. |
| Usage notes | Use in writing and speaking to clarify or illustrate a point. Avoid in formal contexts where examples are expected without introduction. | Use 'for instance' to introduce examples in writing or speech. It's versatile but may sound more formal than 'for example'. Avoid using it in casual texts. | Used to express enjoyment or preference. Can be informal in casual conversations, but it's also suitable for formal situations. Avoid using in very formal writing or speeches. | "Like what" is commonly used in casual conversations when someone wants examples or details. It can sound abrupt if used in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: For example vs For instance vs Like vs Like what
What's the difference between For example, For instance, Like, and Like what?
For example: Something you say to give an illustration. For instance: For example Like: to enjoy or be pleased by something Like what: Used to ask for more information or clarification.
Can you show an example of each?
For example: Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for example, oranges are high in vitamin C. For instance: You can learn a lot from books, for instance, history books. Like: I like chocolate ice cream. Like what: I'm working on a project. Like what are you doing specifically?
Can I use For example, For instance, Like, and Like what interchangeably?
Not always. For example, For instance, Like, and Like what are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.