Use “e.g.” when you want to provide examples (but not a complete list).
Key takeaways:
i.e. = “That is” or “In other words.” It’s used to provide a clear and specific definition or explanation.
e.g. = “For example.” It’s used to introduce examples that illustrate or support a point.
Part of the series Grammar Debugged—English for Devs
In English writing, it’s easy to mix up abbreviations like “i.e.” and “e.g.” especially since both are used to clarify or elaborate ideas. However, using them correctly can make your writing clearer and more concise. In this Answer, we will break down each term, provide clear examples, and help you avoid common mistakes related to these two Latin abbreviations.
“i.e.” stands for id est, a Latin phrase that translates to “that is” or “in other words.” It is used when you want to give a more detailed explanation, restate something, or provide further clarification on an idea you just mentioned.
Use “i.e.” when you need to restate or explain something more clearly and specifically.
i.e. pronounced as “eye-ee,” where the letters i and e are spoken individually.
Let’s explore “i.e.” examples in various contexts to better understand how it’s used.
“e.g.” is short for exempli gratia, which decodes to “for example.” It’s used when you want to give one or more examples to explain a point.
Use “e.g.” when you’re introducing one or more examples to clarify or illustrate your point.
e.g. pronounced as “ee-jee,” where the letters e and g are spoken individually.
Let’s explore “e.g.” examples in various contexts to better understand how it’s used.
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
Using i.e. when you should use e.g.:
Often, writers mistakenly use “i.e.” when they actually want to provide examples. Remember, “i.e.” is for clarification, not illustration.
Overloading with examples after e.g.:
While “e.g.” allows us to give multiple examples, be careful not to overload your sentence with a long list of examples. One or two should suffice.
Key differences | i.e. | e.g. |
Meaning | "That is" or "in other words" | "For example" |
Stand for | id est | exempli gratia |
Pronunciation | eye-ee | ee-jee |
Usage | Specifies or explains something more precisely | Introduces one or more examples of a broader category |
Fill in the blanks with either “i.e.” or “e.g.” to test your understanding!
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To enhance technical writing and minimize common grammar mistakes, continue exploring these topics:
Commonly confused words (homophones & similar-sounding words): These words sound alike but have different meanings and spellings.
Prepositions & usage differences: These words and phrases are often confused due to subtle contextual differences.
Punctuation & formatting: These involve rules for using dashes, abbreviations, and sentence structure.
Grammar & sentence structure: These deal with pronoun choices, verb usage, and comparison.
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