For example vs Something like this

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

For example

Top 1,000 (very common)

Something like this

Informal Top 2,000 (common)

Most formal: For example Most common: For example

	For example	Something like this
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //fə ˈɪɡzɑːmpl// 🇺🇸 //fɔr ˈɛɡzæmpəl//	🇬🇧 //ˈsʌmθɪŋ laɪk ðɪs// 🇺🇸 //ˈsʌmθɪŋ laɪk ðɪs//
Meaning	Something you say to give an illustration.	An expression used to refer to a similar idea or thing.
Example	Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for example, oranges are high in vitamin C.	I want to buy something like this for my room.
Register	Neutral	Informal
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
Collocations	provide for example, use for example, give for example, say for example	show something like this, want something like this, create something like this
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.	Using 'this' instead of 'something like this' for clarity., Omitting the context when it’s needed for understanding., Using it too formally in academic or professional settings.
Usage notes	Use in writing and speaking to clarify or illustrate a point. Avoid in formal contexts where examples are expected without introduction.	This phrase is commonly used in casual conversation to indicate similarity or to provide an example. Avoid in formal writing.

See it in real clips

Breaking Bad › S1 E6

For example, when rust collects on the underside of a car, right?

For example

Top Gear › S1 E1

Something like this.

Something like this

Frequently asked questions: For example vs Something like this

What's the difference between For example and Something like this?

For example: Something you say to give an illustration. Something like this: An expression used to refer to a similar idea or thing.

Which is more formal: For example and Something like this?

For example is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: For example and Something like this?

For example is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

For example: Many fruits are rich in vitamins; for example, oranges are high in vitamin C. Something like this: I want to buy something like this for my room.

Can I use For example and Something like this interchangeably?

Not always. For example and Something like this 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.