What Is the Difference Between e.g. and i.e.?

If you’ve spotted the Latin abbreviations e.g. and i.e. in a sentence, you may have wondered what they mean. While they may appear to mean the same thing initially (in fact, people often mix them up), subtle yet important differences actually exist between them.

Keep reading to learn more about how to differentiate e.g. from i.e. and how to use them correctly.

What Does e.g. Mean?

The abbreviation e.g. stands for the Latin exempli gratia, which means “for example.” We use it to introduce a handful of examples (not an exhaustive list), and it can easily be substituted with such as. 

We usually write e.g. with a period after each letter, though some style guides advise against doing this. In addition, whether to use a comma after e.g. is mostly a matter of preference, but doing so is more common in US English.

Unless e.g. starts a sentence, both letters should be lowercase. Also, since it’s so commonly used, e.g. should not be italicized in your writing, even though it’s a Latin term.

How to Use e.g. in a Sentence

In the middle of a sentence, you can use commas or parentheses to set off passages beginning with e.g. You can also use e.g. to begin an independent clause. Check out the following examples:

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

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

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

What Does i.e. Mean?

I.e. comes from the Latin phrase id est, which means “that is.” Unlike e.g., which introduces an example or examples, i.e. elaborates on or clarifies a statement. 

Here’s a way to check whether you’re using i.e. correctly: The sentence should still make sense if you substitute i.e. with in other words or namely. 

As with e.g., we often write i.e. with a period after each letter and sometimes follow it with a comma, especially in US English.

You should also use lowercase letters for i.e. unless it starts a sentence, and as with e.g., it’s not necessary to italicize i.e. in your writing, even though the term originates from a Latin phrase.

How to Use i.e. in a Sentence

As with e.g., you can use commas or parentheses to offset phrases or clauses beginning with i.e., and you can start an independent clause with i.e. For example:

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

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

Our tomatoes are homegrown; i.e., we grow them in a garden in our backyard.

Becoming A Proofreader Course

Are you interested in learning more about how to use Latin terms and abbreviations in your writing? Our Becoming A Proofreader course takes you through the definitions and applications of some of the most commonly used Latin phrases, as well as a broad range of other punctuation, spelling, and grammar conventions. Sign up for a free trial and get started today!