example
‘example’
If something has the typical features of a particular kind of thing, you can say that it is an example of that kind of thing.
It's a very fine example of traditional architecture.
This is yet another example of poor management.
When someone mentions an example of a particular kind of thing, you say that they are giving an example of that kind of thing.
Could you give me an example?
Let me give you an example of the sort of thing that happens.
Be careful
Don't say that someone ‘says an example’.
Don't say that someone ‘says an example’.
‘for example’
When you mention an example of something, you often say for example.
Switzerland, for example, has four official languages.
There must be some discipline in the home. For example, I do not allow my daughter to play with my computer.
Be careful
Don't say ‘by example’.
Don't say ‘by example’.