Understanding I.e. vs. E.g. (Definition, Examples, Common Mistakes)

Latin abbreviations i.e. and e.g. are small forms that can get awfully confusing. When used incorrectly, they can give the exact opposite meaning to the writer’s intention. When used correctly, it can assist in the flow of thought.

In the article below, we’re going to help you understand the difference between the two Latin abbreviations. Their general use in the English language. And help save you time and frustration when writing.

Learn the difference between “i.e.,” and “e.g.” in this short grammar guide…

What does “i.e.” mean?

I.e. is a short form of the Latin expression id est which means “that is”.

The term is commonly used for introducing an elaboration. Or rephrasing something that has already been stated.

To gain a more superficial understanding, it is recommended to associate the “i” with “in other words.” Similarly, the “e” can stand for “in essence.”

Here are some examples that show i.e., in use:

• I prefer to eat sweet fruits i.e., juicy edible fruits with sweet pulp inside. In this example i.e. helps introduce a description of sweet fruit.
• Besides traveling I am passionate about solo motorcycle tours i.e., traveling hundreds of kilometers on a bike with all the gear and supplies.

I.e. is very helpful when used to help explain or define a term or concept that is unknown to the reader. Sometimes, i.e. is written within parentheses or brackets. An em dash or comma can also follow it. In most cases, i.e. is followed by a comma.

The use of these Latin abbreviations, along with the correct punctuation, makes writing clearer.

Many writers get confused about which abbreviation to use. And do not correctly recognize the meaning that represents them.

As a rule of thumb, i.e. should never begin sentences. Sentences should always begin with “therefore” or “for example.” These transition sentences and words help to bridge the gap between the topic, subject, and conclusion of the paragraph.

I.e. can get used within a sentence to further clarify any idea using a substitute.

Here are examples:

• Today audience enjoys realism-i.e. less stylized movies with settings, characters, and other aspects relating to everyday life. Here i.e. can be substituted using phrases like “in essence.”
• The employees will receive an additional bonus, i.e., 15 percent. In this example i.e. can be easily replaced with “that is.”
• The restaurant has no place to sit (i.e. there are over 100 occupants inside). Here i.e. helps qualify what describes an overcrowded restaurant.

What does “e.g.” mean?

E.g. is the short term for “exempli gratia.” It is a Latin phrase that translates as “for the sake of example.” e.g. is helpful to use when writing English to present one or more examples.

The primary purpose of e.g. is to introduce more than one example and not a complete list.

E.g. is mainly followed by a comma or an em dash. Or is found between parentheses.

Here are examples:

• I love tropical fruits, e.g. mangoes, papayas, and bananas. In this example e.g. stands for the phrase “for the sake of example.”
• Some of my favorite books are short stories (e.g.) here e.g. is used inside parentheses to introduce examples of short stories the speaker likes.
• My father has traveled to various European countries-e.g., France, Austria, Hungary, and Belgium. This example shows, e.g., highlighting a small list of countries the subject in the sentence has visited.

How to use “e.g.” properly

Most commonly, it’s best to use “e.g.” inside of parenthesis. Here are examples:

• Incorrect: Many species of primates, e.g. chimpanzees, are endangered.
• Correct: Many species of primates (e.g., chimpanzees) are endangered.
• Correct: Many species of primates, such as chimpanzees, are endangered.

How to use “i.e.” properly

The Latin abbreviation “i.e.” should always appear after the first section of the sentence, in the middle of it (the transition or topic), making it grammatically correct. Here are examples:

• Incorrect: He likes the ocean. I.e., swimming in it.
• Correct: He likes to swim in the ocean, i.e., morning, night, anytime.

When to use “i.e.” vs. “e.g.”

“I.e.” and “e.g.” might appear similar, but the applications for these Latin abbreviations are entirely different.

The use of a mnemonic device helps people remember when to use “i.e.” or “e.g.” Some say that remembering that “e.g.” looks like “egg” can be a pun, making it “for egg-axmple.” “E.g” provides a specific idea on a given concept.

The use of “i.e.” helps to present a previous idea in a new lens. To remember it, think about when we say “I” as a personal pronoun to change subjects. This is the same way “i.e.” gets used. “I want to change the subject.”

Both “i.e.” and “e.g.” have a different style guide reference that accompanies the use of [both] lowercase letters and the placement of a period ( and comma).

These writing styles are MLA style, Chicago Style, and APA style.

Refer to the table below to learn about the grammatically correct way to use both “i.e.” and “e.g.” depending the writing manual you’re referring to.

In formal writing tones

In formal writing tones, both e.g. and i.e. need to get placed inside parenthesis followed by a comma.

In less formal writing tones, a comma is placed before and after these terms. And may exist outside of the parenthesis.

Using e.g. and i.e. at the beginning of a sentence is typically frowned upon in any writing tone.

Typically, writers make the mistake that “i.e.” and “e.g.” are interchangeable.

Remember, one Latin abbreviation says “for the sake of example,” and the other says “that is.” Most commonly, they are confused when referring to examples.

Someone would say, “E.g., This is my example.” That is correct grammar. And not, “I.e., This or that.”

Sentence examples

• People must take sustainable approaches to protect nature, e.g., plants and animals.
• Some of the states in India e.g., Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, fall under this scheme.
• The boy was punished (i.e., no TV or computer) because he came home late.
• My brother was excited to receive a special gift from Santa Claus (i.e., his grandfather).
• The hotel provides a wide range of services, i.e., the staff will prepare the bed for the guests.
• The boys went to play in the field i.e., splashing mud and enjoying the rain.

Common questions

Questions from English writers.

What is the difference between “etc” when compared to “i.e.” and “e.g.”?

“Etc,” or “et cetera” means “and other things.” It is typically used to trail further examples. Or to collapse examples into a single train of thinking.

What are other common Latin abbreviations?

Refer to the table below to see other common Latin abbreviations used in the English language:

Sources

1. What’s The Difference Between “i.e.” vs. “e.g.”?
2. E.g. vs. I.e.—What’s the Difference?
3. Confused About I.E. vs. E.G.? When to Use Each [With Examples]
4. I.e. vs. E.g: Difference and Use (With Examples in Sentences)
5. Using Mnemonic Devices to Make Memorization Easier
6. Mnemonic Devices