i agree , i think that for example is used more often. haha i think tv shows use for instance more often :P

I, also use "for example" more often than any other phrase.

There is a slight difference in the use of the two. In written form, use "for example". If you read this Answers section, you will see "for example" when someone gives you examples of grammar or whatever. If you are speaking to someone and you want to describe a situation that will explain what you mean, you would say "for instance". "I wish they would put in more stoplights at the big intersections. For instance, the one at Brown and Keg Street is really dangerous." Of course you could say "for example" in the above example and it would be fine, but " for instance" would be used in speech and "for example" is used in written form, especially in formal papers/articles/essays.

I tend to use "for example" more often than "for instance" in daily life. I think so, too

They are the same.