Spoonful #40: Transitions that Introduce Examples

When we write or speak formally, examples help to provide clarity. That's when TRANSITIONS THAT INTRODUCE EXAMPLES are particularly useful. 

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THE LIST: for example, as an example, for instance, to illustrate, illustrates, shows, demonstrates, such as, in particular

SENTENCE EXAMPLES:

• Not all birds eat berries. For example, vultures eat dead animals. This might sound yucky, but it sure beats seeing roadkill everywhere!

 

• The following illustrates one of Shakespeare's most famous quotes: "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." 
  
  
• To illustrate his point, Benjamin provided five different examples. 
  
  
• There are many ways we can straighten up this messy office. For instance, we can begin by organizing the files.

 

• I have a few things to take care of before leaving for vacation, such as paying bills, getting a dog sitter, and going to the post office.
  
  
• Mallika shares her homemade desserts every Friday, which demonstrates both how generous she is and how much she enjoys baking. 
  
  
• Stefano took his driver's test five times before passing, which showed just how much he wanted to get his license. 
  
  
• Kevin is always eating candy. In particular, he enjoys ones with caramel the most. 

Special note: I've found other lists that don't distinguish transitions quite as finely as I do. For example, more than one includes AND and ALSO in this list. Personally, I believe those belong in TRANSITIONS THAT ADD NEW INFORMATION, which you can view in Spoonful #36. 

My transitions miniseries will come to a fitting conclusion next Sunday with TRANSITIONS THAT SIGNAL CONCLUSIONS. I wish you all a wonderful week ahead. 

Sincerely,
Laura Fineberg Cooper