For Example / That is to say: adding examples for clarification

For Example / That is (to say)

Adding examples or clarification

Adding Examples

FOR EXAMPLE / FOR INSTANCE	SUCH AS
The expression for example introduces supporting details for the word directly mentioned before it. Use either a comma or a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a series of items. Use a comma after the introductory word.	The expression such as introduces supporting details or the word directly mentioned before it. The word like commonly introduces one example and may mean "similar to". Commas are not used if the phrase defines the word or words that precede it. Commas are used if the phrase adds extra, nonessential to understanding, information. (See restrictive and nonrestrictive)
1. AN INITIAL PHRASE Vitamin C is found in colorful vegetables. For example/ For instance, bell peppers have a lot of vitamin C. Calcium is found in green leafy vegetables; for example, broccoli, kale, arugula, or spinach have over 160 mg. per serving. (The semicolon joins two independent clauses.)	Vitamin C is found in colorful vegetables. Such as, bell peppers contain a lot of vitamin C. Such as is not used as an initial phrase.
2. A MID-SENTENCE COMMENT Red bell peppers, for example, have a lot of vitamin C. Red bell peppers, for instance, have a lot of vitamin C Red bell peppers, like oranges, have a lot of vitamin C. Note the comment can be removed and the sentence still makes sense. See "aside comments".	*Red bell peppers, such as, have a lot of vitamin C. Such as is not used alone mid-sentence.
3. AN ASIDE COMMENT WITH A MID-SENTENCE DETAIL Green leafy vegetables, for example, spinach, contain calcium. Colorful vegetables, for instance, bell peppers, contain vitamin C. *Some vegetables contain calcium for example broccoli. (misplaced modifier) Some vegetables, for example broccoli, contain calcium. Commas are used when the phrase adds extra information Appositives.	AN ASIDE COMMENT WITH A MID-SENTENCE DETAIL Vegetables such as spinach contain calcium. Kale, like spinach, containsa lot of calcium. Like is often followed by one example and means "resemblance".) Commas are not used when the phrase defines the word it modifies. (See restrictive and nonrestrictive)
4. A LIST OF ITEMS AT THE END OF A SENTENCE Puntucation varies: An afterthought: (one independent clause – no verb in example clause) Calcium is in green leafy vegetables, for example, broccoli, kale, arugula, and spinach. Calcium is in green leafy vegetables; for example, broccoli, kale, arugula, and spinach. An explanation: (two independent clauses – verb in example clause) Calcium is found in green leafy vegetables: for example, broccoli, kale, or spinach have over 160 mg. per serving. Vitamin C is found in colorful vegetables: bell peppers, purple kale, tomatoes. (list) An appositive: (another name for the word before it) Cruciferous vegetables, Brassicaceae, are good for one's heatlth. (GREGG §182) (CMOS §6.44)	A LIST OF ITEMS AT THE END OF A SENTENCE There is calcium in vegetables such as broccoli, kale, arugula, and spinach. There is calcium in green leafy vegetables, like broccoli. (appositive) Commas are not commonly used when the phrase defines the word it modifies.
5. A LIST OF ITEMS IN TECHNICAL WRITING Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, cabbage, cress, bok choy, broccoli) have anti-cancer properties. Nonfinite verbs (e.g., infinitves, gerunds, modals) and birds. The abbreviation e.g. stands for Latin exempli gratia and means "for example". The abbreviated form is used mostly in technical journals. It gives examples for something directly mentioned before. i.e, e.g. (Merriam-Webster 520)

FOR EXAMPLE / FOR INSTANCE

SUCH AS

The expression for example introduces supporting details for the word directly mentioned before it. Use either a comma or a semicolon before introductory words such as namely, for example, e.g., or for instance when they are followed by a series of items. Use a comma after the introductory word.

The expression such as introduces supporting details or the word directly mentioned before it. The word like commonly introduces one example and may mean "similar to". Commas are not used if the phrase defines the word or words that precede it. Commas are used if the phrase adds extra, nonessential to understanding, information. (See restrictive and nonrestrictive)

1. AN INITIAL PHRASE

Vitamin C is found in colorful vegetables. For example/ For instance, bell peppers have a lot of vitamin C.

Calcium is found in green leafy vegetables; for example, broccoli, kale, arugula, or spinach have over 160 mg. per serving. (The semicolon joins two independent clauses.)

Vitamin C is found in colorful vegetables. Such as, bell peppers contain a lot of vitamin C.

Such as is not used as an initial phrase.

2. A MID-SENTENCE COMMENT

Red bell peppers, for example, have a lot of vitamin C.
Red bell peppers, for instance, have a lot of vitamin C
Red bell peppers, like oranges, have a lot of vitamin C.

Note the comment can be removed and the sentence still makes sense. See "aside comments".

*Red bell peppers, such as, have a lot of vitamin C.

Such as is not used alone mid-sentence.

3. AN ASIDE COMMENT WITH A MID-SENTENCE DETAIL

Green leafy vegetables, for example, spinach, contain calcium.
Colorful vegetables, for instance, bell peppers, contain vitamin C.

*Some vegetables contain calcium for example broccoli. (misplaced modifier)
Some vegetables, for example broccoli, contain calcium.

Commas are used when the phrase adds extra information Appositives.

AN ASIDE COMMENT WITH A MID-SENTENCE DETAIL

Vegetables such as spinach contain calcium.
Kale, like spinach, containsa lot of calcium.

Like is often followed by one example and means "resemblance".)
Commas are not used when the phrase defines the word it modifies. (See restrictive and nonrestrictive)

4. A LIST OF ITEMS AT THE END OF A SENTENCE

Puntucation varies:

An afterthought: (one independent clause – no verb in example clause)

Calcium is in green leafy vegetables, for example, broccoli, kale, arugula, and spinach.

Calcium is in green leafy vegetables; for example, broccoli, kale, arugula, and spinach.

An explanation: (two independent clauses – verb in example clause)

Calcium is found in green leafy vegetables: for example, broccoli, kale, or spinach have over 160 mg. per serving.

Vitamin C is found in colorful vegetables: bell peppers, purple kale, tomatoes. (list)

An appositive: (another name for the word before it)

Cruciferous vegetables, Brassicaceae, are good for one's heatlth.

(GREGG §182) (CMOS §6.44)

A LIST OF ITEMS AT THE END OF A SENTENCE

There is calcium in vegetables such as broccoli, kale, arugula, and spinach.
There is calcium in green leafy vegetables, like broccoli. (appositive)

Commas are not commonly used when the phrase defines the word it modifies.

5. A LIST OF ITEMS IN TECHNICAL WRITING

Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cauliflower, cabbage, cress, bok choy, broccoli) have anti-cancer properties.
Nonfinite verbs (e.g., infinitves, gerunds, modals) and birds.

The abbreviation e.g. stands for Latin exempli gratia and means "for example". The abbreviated form is used mostly in technical journals. It gives examples for something directly mentioned before.

i.e, e.g. (Merriam-Webster 520)

*Yellow highlighted words are examples of incorrect usage.
After like and such as, we normally use the accusative pronoun. Double Pronouns (CaGEL 1156)

*This is a reduced modifying clause. It modifies the noun before it. See Clause Reduction 2
Also see example words used in Bulleted Lists .

That is

Adding Clarification

In other words vs. That is

IN OTHER WORDS	THAT IS
The expression in other words introduces clarifying information for the word or clause directly before it. When used as an introductory phrase to introduce an independent clause, in other words is followed by a comma. When used mid-sentence to add an aside comment, it is set off with commas (before and after).	The expression that is or that is to say also introduces clarifying information. When that is introduces another word or phrase, it is set off by commas. When That is introduces an independent clause, a period or semi-colon is used before it and a comma after it.
AN INTRODUCTORY PHRASE TO A CLAUSE The women's team is very fast. In other words, they have winning times. We are a green famiy; in other words, our household uses as little energy as possible, and we recycle our used items. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 2009. In other words, she came to me for therapy at the time her depression began in 2009. On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared, in other words, the pain was no longer a problem.	Bears are carnivorous. That is to say, they eat meat. (glossary) I am a single woman living in a downstairs apartment. Would you please do something about the noise made by the man on top of me every night. That is, the man who lives upstairs. (double meaning) The patient has no previous history of suicides. That is to say, the patient has not made any previous attempts. (double meaning) We pitted the olives. That is, we removed the pits. (unclear meaning)
A CLARIFICATION MID-SENTENCE The marathon organizers will wind up on Market Street, in other words, make preparations for the race. The marathon runners will wind up on Ocean Beach, in other words, end their race. In Florida, he will rent his car, in other words, offer it for use. Commas can only be used if the sentence still makes sense when the phrase is removed. It does not!	The male golfers are handicapped, that is, have the advantage in the game. Commas can only be used if the sentence still makes sense when the phrase is removed. It does not!
A CLARIFICATION OR REWORDING IN TECHNICAL WRITING Cruciferous vegetables (i.e., Brassicaceae) have flowers shaped like a cross. Nonfinite verbs (i.e., lacking tense, aspect, mood, number, gender, and person) can function as noun, adjective or adverb. The abbreviation i.e. stands for Latin id est and means "that is". The abbreviated form is used mostly in technical journals. It rewords or clarifies a word mentioned directly before it.

Common Mistakes

ERROR	FIX
Some vegetables contain calcium for example broccoli. misplaced modifer	Some vegetables, for example broccoli, contain calcium. Move the phrase directly after the word for which it gives examples.
Such as, bell peppers contain a lot of vitamin C. wrong word choice	Some vegetables, such as bell peppers, contain a lot of vitamin C. (modifies word) Some vegetables contain a lot of vitamin C such as bell peppers. (modifies clause)

ERROR

FIX

Some vegetables contain calcium for example broccoli. misplaced modifer

Some vegetables, for example broccoli, contain calcium.
Move the phrase directly after the word for which it gives examples.

Such as, bell peppers contain a lot of vitamin C. wrong word choice

Some vegetables, such as bell peppers, contain a lot of vitamin C. (modifies word)
Some vegetables contain a lot of vitamin C such as bell peppers. (modifies clause)

Also see "For example/That is"

For Example / That is

Punctuation

A Semicolon vs. Two Commas in example Clauses

CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB INTRODUCES AN EXAMPLE CLAUSE	CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB INTRODUCES AN EXAMPLE PHRASE
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses when the second clause begins with an adverb introducing an example (for instance, that is, in fact, in other words, etc.)	Use a comma to join an independent clause to a phrase introduced by an adverb for example. A comma is also used after the adverb introducing an example. (for instance, that is, in fact, etc.)
The inner city has small narrow streets; for example, two motorcycles can pass by each other, but two cars can't.	The inner city has small narrow streets, for example, Independence Street and Central Street.
Motorcyclists disregard stop signs; in other words, a driver will go right through an intersection marked with a stop.	Motorcyclists disregard stop signs, in other words, they don't stop!
In the city center, cars are not allowed; that is, automobiles must be parked outside the city perimeter.	In the city center, cars are not allowed, that is, prohibited.
People need to be prepared to walk a distance; in fact, we hiked four kilometers.	People need to be prepared to walk a distance, in fact, four kilometers.
The Lion fountain is beautiful; indeed, the sculptures are works of art.	The old fountain is beautiful, indeed, a pleasure to the eye. (emphasis)

Also see Semicolons | Chicago Manual of Style 6.44

Listing Examples — Colon or Comma?

CORRECT	INCORRECT
Whether punctuation is used, depends on whether the introductory statement is a complete sentence or not.	Use a colon after an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone as a sentence.). Use a comma to add a modifying clause with examples.
USE NO COLON AFTER THE STATEMENT IF IT FORMS A COMPLETE SETENCE WITH THE EXAMPLES The vitamins in kale are beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium. The vitamins in kale include beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.	The vitamins in kale are: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium. The vitamins in kale include: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.
USE A COLON AFTER THE STATEMENT IF IT CAN STAND ALONE AS A COMPLETE SENTENCE Kale is rich in minerals: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium. The vitamins in kale are as follows: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.	Minerals such as: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium are in kale. Kale is rich in the following minerals: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium. (not preferred usage)
USE A COMMA AFTER THE STATEMENT TO ADDF A MODIFYING CLAUSE WITH EXAMPLES Kale is rich in minerals, which include beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium. Kale is rich in minerals, including beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium. Kale is rich in minerals, consisting of beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.	Kale is rich in minerals including: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium. Kale is rich in minerals consisting of: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.

CORRECT

INCORRECT

Whether punctuation is used, depends on whether the introductory statement is a complete sentence or not.

Use a colon after an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone as a sentence.). Use a comma to add a modifying clause with examples.

USE NO COLON AFTER THE STATEMENT IF IT FORMS A COMPLETE SETENCE WITH THE EXAMPLES

The vitamins in kale are beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.

The vitamins in kale include beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.

The vitamins in kale are: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.

The vitamins in kale include: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.

USE A COLON AFTER THE STATEMENT IF IT CAN STAND ALONE AS A COMPLETE SENTENCE

Kale is rich in minerals: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.

The vitamins in kale are as follows: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.

Minerals such as: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium are in kale.

Kale is rich in the following minerals: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.
(not preferred usage)

USE A COMMA AFTER THE STATEMENT TO ADDF A MODIFYING CLAUSE WITH EXAMPLES

Kale is rich in minerals, which include beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.

Kale is rich in minerals, including beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.

Kale is rich in minerals, consisting of beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and calcium.

Kale is rich in minerals including: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.

Kale is rich in minerals consisting of: beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, calcium.

Punctuation Notes

Commas customary. Expressions of the that is type (e.g., namely, for example, for instance) are usually followed by a comma. They may be preceded by a comma, an em dash or a semicolon; or the entire phrase they introduce may be enclosed in parentheses of em dashes. (CMOS 6.44)

APA and MLA manauls do not specifically mention punctuation with such as.

Do not use a comma for a nonessential phrase providing more information about something. " Although the information may be helpful to the reader's comprehension, the reader would not be misled if the information were not there." (AP 87-88)

Do not use a comma for an essential phrase, "a word or a group of words critical to the reader's understanding of what the author had in mind." (AP 87-88)

Resources

AP Stylebook. The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law. 42nd ed. New York: Basic Books, 2007 . (87-88) Print.
Fowler's Modern English Usage. Ed. R. W. Burchfield. Rev. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. (750) Print.
The Gregg Reference Manual by William A. Sabin.10th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2005. Print
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 1994.(520) Print.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. NewYork: Modern Language Association of America. 2009.(§ 3.2.2) Print.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 6th ed. Washington, D.C: American Psychological Association, 2010. Print (§3.04, 4.03–6)
Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage. 4th ed. 2009: Oxford University Press. (157.13) Print.
University of Chicago Press. The Chicago Manual of Style. 15th edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003. (§6.44) Print.

Practice

Good-for-you food

Is the sentence punctuated correctly?

Select the option: correct or incorrect.
Read the feedback to check your response.

#	SENTENCE & FEEDBACK	SELECT THE SENTENCE SUBJECT
1.	Fruit such as red grapes, blueberries and cranberries are high in antioxidants. antioxidants (n.) – enzymes that act against the damaging effects of oxidation that kills animal cells.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 1
2.	Humans need to consume vitamin C. For example, in oranges, tomatoes, and bell peppers.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 2
3.	Drinks made from red grapes, for example wine, champagne and grape juice, may also offer health benefits. benefits (n.) – offers good things	Correct Incorrect Feedback 3
4.	Drinks made from red grapes, such as wine, champagne and grape juice, may also offer health benefits.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 4
5.	Cranberry juice like grape juice also has a lot of health benefits.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 5
6.	Juices such as red grape have a lot of antioxidants.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 6
7.	Some juices contain a lot of sugar, for example, orange juice, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 7
8.	Eat three servings of low-sugar fruit (e.g. rhubarb, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries) each day.	Correct Incorrect Feedback 8

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