The difference between i.e. vs. e.g

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.

Difference between e.g. and i.e.
Difference between e.g. and i.e.

What does i.e. mean?

“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.

i.e. examples in different contexts

Let’s explore “i.e.” examples in various contexts to better understand how it’s used.

What does e.g. mean?

“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.

e.g. examples in different contexts

Let’s explore “e.g.” examples in various contexts to better understand how it’s used.

Common mistakes when using i.e. and  e.g.:

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

i.e. vs. e.g.

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

Test your knowledge

Fill in the blanks with either “i.e.” or “e.g.” to test your understanding!

Check out our course on “Grokking the Technical Writing Process,” which will provide insights into technical writing, audience analysis, creating coherent paragraphs, iterative improvement, and mastering parts of speech and punctuation for impactful and well-structured communication.

Frequently asked questions

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What is the rule for “e.g.”?

Use “e.g.” when you want to provide examples (but not a complete list).

What does “i.e.” stand for?

“i.e.” stands for “id est,” which means “that is” or ”in other words.”

How do we read “e.g.”?

Read “e.g.” as “for example.”

What is the synonym of “e.g.”?

Synonyms include “for instance” or “such as.”

When to use “i.e.” or “e.g.”?

  • Use “i.e.” when you’re restating or clarifying something specific. The phrase before “i.e.” should be more general or broad, and “i.e.” will provide a specific explanation or clarification.
  • Use “e.g.” when providing examples of a broader category.

To enhance technical writing and minimize common grammar mistakes, continue exploring these topics:

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