"for example" & "for instance"

I would say that there is a slight difference in the use of the two. In written form, use "For example". If you are speaking to someone and you want to describe a situation that will explain what you mean, you would say "For instance". “For instance” is slightly less formal than “for example”.

You use for instance to introduce a particular event, situation, or person that is an example of what you are talking about. And for example is the common way to give an example, to emphasize something that explain or support what you are saying. You use for example to introduce and emphasize something which shows that something is true..

There isn't really a difference between these two except what I've mentioned above. Most of the time, they mean the same thing.


(1) Prices have risen sharply. The price of gasoline, for example, has risen by over 50%.
(2) It is possible to combine English Literature with other subjects, for example, History.
(3) A few simple precautions can be taken, for example ensuring that desks are the right height.
(4) Nepal has many attractions for visitors. For example, you can go trekking in the Himalayas, or see tigers in Chitwan National Park.
(5) Many great men have risen from poverty---Lincoln, for example.

(6) There are a number of improvements; for instance, both mouse buttons can now be used...
(7) Some people are really good at languages. Take Cindy, for instance.
(8) What would you do, for instance, if you found a member of staff stealing?
(9) There were many unanswered questions. For instance, where was the money going to come from?
(10) Several of his friends came: Ben, Carol and Mike, for instance.

Aucatlly,''for example'' and ''for instance'' are the same thing but just a bit diiferent.

If you are speaking to someone and you want to describe a situation you will use "an instance",you also use it when you tell something that actually happened or something that is real .

In written form , you usually use "an example" or you can also use it when it might be something real or something theoretical which serves as an illustration of something.

In clonclusion, I'd suggest you to use ''for example'' when you are writing in a formal way (eg. Essay or Letter etc ) and use ''for instance'' when you're talking to somebody


I'm sorry i can't give you examples, it just depend on you whether you are wittering or talking.

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