Such as

How to use "such as" correctly​

By Alessandro Ursic

How do you use the Thai word "เช่น" in English?

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You can use "such as" or "for example", but you need to be aware of how to use them.​

By Alessandro Ursic

1. NEVER at the beginning of a sentence.

2. It follows the noun(s) of which we want to give examples.

3. The items can only be nouns (or gerunds).

4. One, two or three items. Not more.

5. DON’T use a clause (subject+verb) after it.​

By Alessandro Ursic

Here is how you use "such as":

1. ✔ Cities such as London and New York are very multicultural.

   ✔ Some world-famous cities, such as London and New York, are very multicultural.

   X Some world-famous cities, such as London, New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, Berlin, Paris, and Mexico City, are very multicultural.

   X Some world-famous cities are very multicultural, such as London and New York.

   X Some world-famous cities are very multicultural, such as people of different nationalities live in London and New York.

By Alessandro Ursic

Correct and incorrect sentences with "such as":

​X Living in cities is more convenient such as transportation and hospitals.

("convenient" is not a noun, and "transportation and hospitals" are not examples of "convenience". A possible sentence could be "Living in cities offers convenience because there are many convenient services, such as transportation and healthcare.")​

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X It will affect their life a lot such as health and work.

("health and work" are not examples of "life". A possible sentence could be "It will affect a lot of aspects of their life, such as health and work.")​​

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By Alessandro Ursic

How to fix incorrect sentences with "such as":

1. Don’t put a comma before “such as” if the items help restrict the selection (necessary information).

2. Put a comma before "such as" if the selection is clear enough (extra information).

3. Never put a comma after “such as”.

   ✔ "Cities such as London and New York are very multicultural." (necessary information)

   ✔ "Some world-famous cities, such as London and New York, are very multicultural." (extra information about some cities that we have already identified with an adjective, in this case)​

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By Alessandro Ursic

Should you use a comma or not? It depends...

1. It is mostly used to introduce a sentence.

2. You can use it after a full stop (.) or a semicolon (;). It can also go between the subject and the verb.

3. It is followed by a comma.

4. Be careful: don’t write a fragment. You need a verb!

By Alessandro Ursic

Here is how you use "for example":

1. ✔ Some cities host people of different nationalities. For example, London and New York are very multicultural.

   ✔ Some cities host people of different nationalities. London and New York, for example, are very multicultural.

   X Some world-famous cities are very multicultural. For example, London and New York.

   X Some world-famous cities are very multicultural, for example people of different nationalities live in London and New York.

By Alessandro Ursic

Correct and incorrect sentences with "for example":

Multiple Choice

Some of the most popular pets _______ cats and dogs, can feel very homesick if they are away from their usual environment.

• for example

• such as

• , such as

Multiple Choice

Driving after drinking alcohol should never happen because it is incredibly dangerous. ________ the driver can fall asleep or not react in time.

• Such as

• For example,

• For example

• Such as,

Multiple Choice

Animals ________ herbivores and rodents can be severely affected by long periods of drought.

• , for example

• for example

• , such as

• such as

Multiple Choice

Activities _____________________ should be avoided when people visit national parks.

• , such as littering and lighting a fire

• such as littering and lighting a fire

• for example littering and lighting a fire

• , for example littering and lighting a fire

Multiple Choice

There are some activities that should be avoided in national parks. _______________________________

• Such as, littering and lighting a fire.

• For example, littering and lighting a fire.

• For example, littering and lighting a fire are extremely bad for the environment.

• Such as. littering and lighting a fire are extremely bad for the environment.

Multiple Choice

Attending online classes offer several benefits, ____________________________________________

• such as, saving time and spending less on transportation.

• for example saving time and spending less on transportation.

• such as saving time and spending less on transportation.

• such as students can save time and spend less on transportation.