Mary's biscuits are better

There are many ways in which we can show what we mean or to illustrate a point, rather than say ‘For example …’.

One way to give examples, although indirect, is to tell stories. This gives information in a way which is easier to understand, which dramatises a situation and makes it more interesting.

Don’t repeat for example every time you give an example. Excite your audience with colour and depth!

🧁 Sample
We use sample to talk about a small part or quantity to show what the whole is like:

• Let me give you a sample of our new product range.

🖥 Instance
We use this when giving a single occurrence of something or for a particular case:

• Here’s a fantastic instance of how our service can help small businesses.

⚓️ Case
Used as an instance of a particular situation:

• In many cases, we help customers when they  need it most.

🖼 illustration
We use this to clarify our example:

• Our standards are not as good as we think. The cleanliness of our public areas is a good illustration.

🛋 a case in point
Used for an instance or example which illustrates what is being discussed:

• Customer satisfaction is a case in point. We need to make improvements as there have been complaints about the quality of our furniture.

Learn more about how to give examples, take a short course:

• Giving examples

Discover our range of online courses designed to help you improve your written English here.

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- MAKING WORDS MATTER -