Formal alternative for "like" and "such as"?
The phrase "such as" is a formal phrase, and as such, you should feel free to use it in formal writing. (The informal equivalent would be "like": Places like the US have seen an increase in...)
Some alternatives include:
- for example
- for instance
There is a subtle difference between 'such as' and 'like'.
Most western countries, such as the US...
Means
Most western countries, with the US being an example...
On the other hand
Most western countries like the US...
Could be interpreted as
Most western countries that are similar to the US
Which may not be what you mean.