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Which one to use?Intermediateabreviaturaabreviatura
E.g.vsI.e.
'E.g.' means 'for example'; 'i.e.' means 'that is'.
Side-by-side comparison
E.g.
abreviaturaFrom Latin "exempli gratia" = for the sake of example. Introduces one or more examples from a larger group. After e.g., there are always more options not listed.
Some programming languages, e.g., Python, JavaScript, and Go, are widely used for web development.
She enjoys outdoor activities, e.g., hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
You should eat more protein-rich foods, e.g., eggs, chicken, and legumes.
I.e.
abreviaturaFrom Latin "id est" = that is. Restates, clarifies, or gives the only correct answer. What follows is complete and exact, not partial.
The meeting will be held in the main conference room, i.e., the one on the third floor.
He chose the most affordable option, i.e., the basic subscription plan.
The event is open to all current members, i.e., anyone who renewed their membership this year.
Common mistake
- •Quick test: if you can add "and others" after your list, use "e.g." (partial example).
- •If what you write is the exact, complete definition, use "i.e." (that is).
- •Both take a comma after them in American English: "e.g.," / "i.e.,".
Trick to remember it
- •"e.g." = "example given" (E for Examples).
- •"i.e." = "in essence" or "that Is".
- •Swap with "for example": if it fits, use e.g.
- •Swap with "that is" or "in other words": if it fits, use i.e.
Quick rule
- •"e.g." = for example (partial list, more could exist).
- •"i.e." = that is (exact, complete definition).
Did you know?
Both abbreviations come from Latin. "e.g." = "exempli gratia" (for the sake of an example). "i.e." = "id est" (that is). In formal writing they are italicized. Many modern style guides (like the AP Style Guide) recommend avoiding the Latin abbreviations and writing "for example" and "that is" directly for clarity. The Chicago Manual of Style accepts them but advises they should only appear in parentheses or footnotes, not in running text.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
She enjoys outdoor activities, _____, hiking, cycling, and swimming.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The event is open to adults only, _____, people over 18.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
AssurevsEnsure
'Assure' means to tell someone with confidence that something is true; 'ensure' means to take steps to make certain something happens.
WhichvsThat
"That" introduces essential information; "which" introduces additional, non-essential information (set off by commas).
AbovevsOver
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
ActuallyvsReally
"Actually" corrects or contrasts an assumption; "really" intensifies or confirms.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy