Home
Blog
Proofreading Tips
What Is the Difference Between E.g. and I.e.?

What Is the Difference Between E.g. and I.e.?

By Emily Numa
Apr 24, 2023
7 min read

If you’ve spotted the abbreviations e.g. and i.e. in a piece of writing, you may have wondered what they mean. And you may have wondered if you’re using them correctly! These two Latin terms often cause confusion, even for experienced writers and editors. But knowing the difference is essential if you want to write clearly and correctly, especially in academic, technical, or professional contexts.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what e.g. and i.e. mean, explain how to use them properly, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. If you’re considering a career in writing or proofreading, this is the kind of detail that you need to get right, so read on.

What Does E.g. Mean?

E.g. is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase exempli gratia, which translates to “for example.” It’s used to introduce one or more examples of a category or idea. Importantly, these examples are just a sample – they don’t represent an exhaustive list:

I love citrus fruits, e.g., oranges and grapefruits.

As a reminder of when to use this term, if you can substitute the phrase “such as” or “for example” in the sentence and retain the same meaning, then e.g. is the right choice:

I love citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits.

What Does I.e. Mean?

I.e. stands for the Latin term id est, meaning “that is” or “that is to say.” It’s used when clarifying a statement or offering a full explanation of what was just mentioned:

He prefers to work with very specific software, i.e., Adobe Photoshop.

If you can replace it with “namely” or “in other words” without changing the meaning, you’re using it correctly:

He prefers to work with very specific software, namely Adobe Photoshop.

Already, then, we’ve pinned down the key difference in the terms and how to use them correctly:

E.g. presents an incomplete list or an example of something.
I.e. presents a complete list or a full explanation.

How to Use E.g. in a Sentence

E.g. can be incorporated in a few different ways. One common use is in the middle of a sentence, set off by commas, to introduce a few examples:

I need to buy some food for the birthday party, e.g., pretzels, chips, and ice cream, before the store closes.

You can also place e.g. and what follows within parentheses:

She shopped for warm clothes (e.g., sweaters, socks, and gloves) for the upcoming ski trip.

Another option is to begin an independent clause with e.g. to provide an example that supports or expands on the previous statement:

If students want to borrow a magazine, they must bring it back the next day; e.g., if Anne borrows a travel magazine on Monday, she should bring it back on Tuesday.

How to Punctuate E.g.

In most cases, e.g. is written with a period after each letter, as it’s an abbreviation of two Latin words. Some style guides allow the unpunctuated version (eg), but this is rare in comparison.

It’s important to remember there is a dialectal difference when it comes to e.g. and commas. In US English, e.g. is immediately followed by a comma, but this is not the case in UK English.

UK English: I like to eat all kinds of fruit (e.g. apples and bananas).

US English: I like to eat all kinds of fruit (e.g., apples and bananas).

It’s a common mistake to mix them up, but it’s a simple rule to remember and apply when you know how!

How to Use I.e. in a Sentence

As with e.g., there are a few options for how to use i.e. in a sentence to introduce clarifying information.

When placed midsentence, the whole phrase is set in commas:

Make sure to get my favorite flavor of ice cream, i.e., vanilla, for dessert.

Alternatively, i.e. can appear within parentheses to explain a previous term more fully:

After the game, I want to try the new pizza place (i.e., Pick A Pizza) in town.

It can also begin an independent clause that restates the previous idea in clearer terms:

Our tomatoes are grown organically; i.e., we use natural rather than chemical fertilizers.

How to Punctuate I.e.

Just like e.g., the abbreviation i.e. is written with periods after each letter as standard. While some style guides allow an unpunctuated form (ie), the version with periods is much more common and preferred for formal writing.

This term also has slightly different punctuation depending on which dialect the text is written in: US English follows i.e. with a comma, while UK English doesn’t.

UK English: We’ll meet at my favorite café (i.e. the one near the library).

US English: We’ll meet at my favorite café (i.e., the one near the library).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s surprisingly easy to get mixed up when using Latin abbreviations such as e.g. and i.e. Because they look similar and often appear in the same kinds of writing, even experienced writers can confuse them. But for a proofreader, accuracy is key, as using the wrong term can change the meaning of a sentence. Or simply confuse the reader!

To help you understand what to be on the lookout for, let’s look at a few common errors that can crop up with these terms.

Mixing Up E.g. and I.e.

One of the most common errors is using i.e. when e.g. is intended – or vice versa. For example:

Some animals have been domesticated (i.e., cats and dogs). ✘

Some animals have been domesticated (e.g., cats and dogs). ✔

In this case, the list is not meant to be exhaustive, so e.g. is correct. If you’re unsure which one to use, consider if the list includes all possible examples. You can also try replacing the abbreviation with “for example” or “that is” to see if the sentence still makes sense.

Using E.g. and Etc. Together

Another common mistake is combining e.g. with etc. in the same list. Both terms tell the reader that the list is incomplete, so using them together is redundant:

Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, grapefruits, etc.) are high in vitamin C. ✘

Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges and grapefruits) are high in vitamin C. ✔

Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, etc.) are high in vitamin C. ✔

Incorrect Capitalization or Italicization

Finally, you should also check that e.g. and i.e. are presented correctly in your or your clients’ writing. In particular, keep in mind these formatting points:

Although many Latin terms are presented in italics (such as the scientific names of animals), e.g. and i.e. are so commonly used that they are not italicized in writing (apart from in this article, where we use italics to set terms apart!).
While many abbreviations are capitalized, both e.g. and i.e. are written using lowercase letters. However, the first letter is capitalized when either is used at the beginning of a sentence or in a title case heading (both of which you can see in this article!).

Want to Become an Expert Proofreader?

If you find the details of grammar and punctuation fascinating, have you considered training to become a professional proofreader?

Our comprehensive Becoming A Proofreader course takes you through the definitions and applications of some of the most commonly used Latin terms, as well as a huge range of other punctuation, spelling, and grammar conventions.

And if you’d like to get a head start in the industry, complete both Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor with distinction scores to access guaranteed work opportunities with our partner company, Proofed.

Updated on April 28, 2025