Cool MateFor example vs Like
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
For example
Top 1,000 (very common)
Like
High-frequency chunkA1preposition
| For example | Like | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fə ˈɪɡzɑːmpl//🇺🇸 //fɔr ˈɛɡzæmpəl// | 🇬🇧 /["/laɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/laɪk/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something you say to give an illustration. | to enjoy or be pleased by something |
| Example | Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for example, oranges are high in vitamin C. | I like chocolate ice cream. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | High-frequency chunk |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | preposition | |
| Collocations | provide for example, use for example, give for example, say for example | like to eat, like a friend, like doing, like music, like the weather |
| 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. | 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. |
| Usage notes | Use in writing and speaking to clarify or illustrate a point. Avoid in formal contexts where examples are expected without introduction. | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: For example vs Like
What's the difference between For example and Like?
For example: Something you say to give an illustration. Like: to enjoy or be pleased by something
Can you show an example of each?
For example: Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for example, oranges are high in vitamin C. Like: I like chocolate ice cream.
Can I use For example and Like interchangeably?
Not always. For example and Like 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.