Quick answer: E.g. (from Latin "exempli gratia") means "for example" and introduces one or more examples from a larger group: Popular fruits, e.g. apples and bananas, are rich in fibre. I.e. (from Latin "id est") means "that is" and introduces a clarification or restatement: Our busiest month, i.e. December, needs extra staff. E.g. gives examples; i.e. explains or restates. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘e.g.’.
Comparison Table
| Term | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| e.g. | abbreviation (adverbial) | "for example" — introduces one or more examples from a larger group | Bring warm clothes, e.g. a coat and gloves. |
| i.e. | abbreviation (adverbial) | "that is" — introduces a clarification or restatement of what was just said | The deadline, i.e. next Friday, cannot be moved. |
Using E.g.
E.g. introduces one or more specific examples that illustrate a broader category or point. There is usually more than the item you name that could fit.
You'll need some basic tools, e.g. a screwdriver and a hammer.
Several European capitals, e.g. Paris and Rome, attract millions of tourists.
Choose a citrus fruit, e.g. an orange or a lemon.
The report covers renewable sources, e.g. solar and wind power.
Using I.e.
I.e. introduces a restatement or clarification that specifies exactly what was just mentioned — not an example among many, but a definition of the single thing meant.
The final round, i.e. the championship match, starts at noon.
She works remotely, i.e. from home, three days a week.
Only the primary applicant, i.e. the account holder, can request changes.
We open on the first business day, i.e. Monday, 3 August.
Memory Trick
E.g. starts with "e", like "example" — think "example given". I.e. starts with "i", like "in other words" or "in essence" — think "in essence, this is exactly what I mean".
Common Mistakes
✗ Bring some snacks, i.e. chips and cookies.
✓ Bring some snacks, e.g. chips and cookies.
Since chips and cookies are only two possible examples of "snacks" (not the full definition of the word), e.g. is correct here.
✗ The winner, e.g. the team with the most points, gets the trophy.
✓ The winner, i.e. the team with the most points, gets the trophy.
Tips to Avoid Confusion
- Try substituting the full phrase: if "for example" fits, use e.g.; if "that is" fits, use i.e.
- Use e.g. when there could be other valid examples besides the one you name.
- Use i.e. when you are defining or restating exactly one thing, with no alternatives.
- Both are usually followed by a comma and used mid-sentence, not to start a sentence in formal writing.
For more on related grammar, see formal language. Also confusing: Afraid vs Frightened, Alone vs Lonely, Angry vs Furious. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: E.g. or I.e.?
4 fill-in-the-blank questions — choose the correct term for each sentence.
1. “Bring some fruit, ___ apples or grapes.” (examples)
2. “The manager, ___ the person who signs the contract, must approve it.” (restatement)
3. “Pack layers, ___ a t-shirt, a jumper, and a jacket.”
4. “Only one candidate, ___ the current vice-chair, applied.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between e.g. and i.e.?
E.g. (from Latin "exempli gratia", meaning "for example") introduces one or more examples from a larger group: "popular fruits, e.g. apples and bananas." I.e. (from Latin "id est", meaning "that is") introduces a clarification or restatement of what was just said: "our busiest month, i.e. December." E.g. gives examples; i.e. explains or restates.
Why are e.g. and i.e. so often confused?
Both are two-letter Latin abbreviations followed by periods and usually a comma, both appear mid-sentence in similar positions, and both are pronounced letter by letter — making it easy to swap them without noticing the difference in meaning.
How can I test which one to use?
Try replacing the abbreviation with its full meaning. If "for example" fits, use e.g. If "that is" or "in other words" fits, use i.e. This quick substitution test almost always reveals the correct choice.
Do e.g. and i.e. need punctuation around them?
In standard usage both are followed by a comma and typically preceded by a comma or set off with parentheses: "popular pets, e.g., cats and dogs" or "the capital (i.e., Kyiv)." Style guides vary slightly on the second period and comma, but consistency within a document matters most.
Should e.g. and i.e. be italicised?
Most modern style guides (including many academic and business ones) no longer require italics for common Latin abbreviations like e.g. and i.e., treating them as fully absorbed into English. Some formal or academic styles still italicise them — check the required style guide.
Can e.g. and i.e. be used at the start of a sentence?
It's generally better to avoid starting a sentence with these abbreviations in formal writing. Instead, write out "For example," or "That is," at the start of a sentence, and reserve e.g. and i.e. for mid-sentence use.
Does e.g. mean the same as 'etc.'?
No. E.g. introduces examples before a list, while "etc." ("et cetera", meaning "and so on") is placed after a list to show it continues. Using both together ("e.g. apples, bananas, etc.") is usually considered redundant.
Can i.e. introduce a list of multiple items?
I.e. is best used for a single clarification or restatement, not a list of examples. If you want to name several examples, e.g. is the correct choice; if you're restating or defining exactly what something is, use i.e.
Is e.g. or i.e. more common in everyday writing?
E.g. tends to appear more often, simply because giving examples is a more frequent writing task than restating or clarifying a single point, though both are extremely common in academic, business, and technical writing.
How can I remember e.g. vs i.e.?
E.g. starts with "e", like "example" — think "example given". I.e. starts with "i", like "in other words" or "in essence" — think "in essence". If you're naming examples, use e.g.; if you're restating or defining, use i.e.