I.e. vs E.G.: What’s the Difference?
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The abbreviations i.e. vs e.g. look similar but have different uses.
Many people get confused by these short Latin words.
What Does I.e. Mean?
The Origin
“I.e.” comes from Latin (“id est”). It means “that is” or “in other words.”
When to Use It
Use i.e. to explain something by giving specifics.
What Does E.g. Mean?
Where It Comes From
“E.g.” is also from Latin (“exempli gratia”). It means “for example” in English.
How to Use It
Use e.g. when giving some examples of something.
Examples of How to Use I.e. vs E.g.
Let’s look at how to use i.e vs e.g:
How to Use I.e.
Example 1
I love citrus fruits (i.e., oranges, lemons, and limes).
This shows all the citrus fruits the person loves.
Example 2
I had an illness (i.e., the flu) last month that made me miss work.
Here, i.e. makes it clear specifically what the illness was – the flu
Example 3
I’m going to my favorite spot (i.e., the coffee shop on Main Street).
This tells us exactly which spot the person means.
How to Use E.g.
Example 1
The patient had classic signs of sadness – e.g. sleeping and eating changes, low energy.
Here there are examples supporting the initial statement.
Example 2
Some classic books (e.g., “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “1984”) are still popular today.
We’re showing a few examples of classic books.
Example 3
Many things affect how well you sleep (e.g., stress, what you eat, and how much you exercise).
This lists some factors that can change sleep quality.
Easy Ways to Remember the Difference
- For i.e., think “in essence.”
- For e.g., think “examples given.”
- I.e. makes things more specific.
- E.g. gives examples, but not everything.
Common Mistakes
- Using i.e. and e.g. interchangeably.
- Adding “etc.” after i.e. It doesn’t make sense.
- Capitalizing i.e. and e.g. (unless they start a sentence).
- Always put periods after each letter and a comma after the whole thing.
Using I.e. vs E.g. in Different Types of Writing
In School Papers
For school work, it’s better to use these words less often.
Try writing out “that is” or “for example” instead.
If you do use them, put them in parentheses.
In Casual Writing
For emails or blog posts, i.e. and e.g. can make your writing more interesting.
Just make sure people know what they mean.
In Technical Writing
These short words are often used in technical papers.
They help make explanations short and clear.
Other commonly confused words:
FAQs
Q: Can I use i.e. and e.g. in school papers?
A: Yes, but not too much. In very formal papers, it’s better to write out the full phrases.
Q: Should I make i.e. and e.g. slanted in my writing?
A: You don’t have to. Just remember to use periods and a comma.
Q: Is it okay to start a sentence with i.e. or e.g.?
A: It’s best not to. If you need to, write out the whole Latin phrase instead.
Wrapping It Up: I.e. Vs E.g.
- i.e. gives specifics readers need to eliminate confusion
- e.g. supports statements through concrete examples
- Use proper grammar and punctuation with both
Are you explaining something more clearly? Use i.e.
Are you giving examples? Use e.g.
Choose the right one, and your writing will be clearer and more fun to read!
