Cool MateFor example vs Like vs Namely
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
For example
Top 1,000 (very common)
Like
High-frequency chunkA1preposition
Namely
Top 3,000 (common)C1adverb
| For example | Like | Namely | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fə ˈɪɡzɑːmpl//🇺🇸 //fɔr ˈɛɡzæmpəl// | 🇬🇧 /["/laɪk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/laɪk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈneɪmli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈneɪmli/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something you say to give an illustration. | to enjoy or be pleased by something | That is to say; specifically |
| Example | Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for example, oranges are high in vitamin C. | I like chocolate ice cream. | We need to concentrate on our target audience, namely women aged between 20 and 30. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | High-frequency chunk | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | preposition | adverb | |
| 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 | namely the following, used namely, items namely |
| Antonyms | - | dislike, hate, detest | vaguely, indefinitely, ambiguously |
| 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. | Using 'namely' without a comma before it., Confusing it with 'for example' when 'namely' is more precise., Misplacing it in a sentence, making it unclear. |
| 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. | Use 'namely' when you want to give specific examples that clarify something you just mentioned. It is appropriate in both written and spoken contexts but avoid in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: For example vs Like vs Namely
What's the difference between For example, Like, and Namely?
For example: Something you say to give an illustration. Like: to enjoy or be pleased by something Namely: That is to say; specifically
Which is more advanced: For example, Like, and Namely?
Namely is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
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. Namely: We need to concentrate on our target audience, namely women aged between 20 and 30.
Can I use For example, Like, and Namely interchangeably?
Not always. For example, Like, and Namely 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.