The Difference between "e.g." and "i.e."

by Craig Shrives
The Quick Answer
What is the difference between "e.g." and "i.e."?
  • "E.g." means "for example" (from the Latin exempli gratia).
  • "I.e." means "in other words" or "that is" (from the Latin id est).
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E.g. and I.e.

The abbreviations e.g. (from the Latin exempli gratia) and i.e. (from the Latin id est) are often confused. Confusion occurs because they are both used to clarify something previously mentioned in a sentence. However, they are not the same.

Infographic Explaining e.g. and i.e.

Here is an infographic explaining e.g. and i.e.:

ie eg difference

e.g.

The abbreviation e.g. is used to provide an example:

Examples:
  • The buffet provided excellent variety, e.g., vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups, Italian and French breads, and numerous sweets.
    • (e.g. = for example)
  • He was the school champion of many activities (e.g., chess, badminton, 110m hurdles, and high jump).
    • (e.g. = for example)

i.e.

The abbreviation i.e. is used to restate an idea more clearly or offer more information. (It can usually be substituted with in other words.)

Examples:
  • It happened in August, i.e., two months ago.
    • (i.e. = in other words)
  • It happened in August, e.g., two months ago.
    • (Remember, e.g. means for example.)
  • Service charge is included in all prices; i.e., you don't have to leave a tip.
    • (i.e. = in other words)

Getting Them Wrong

Often confusing e.g. and i.e. does not mean your sentence is grammatically incorrect. However, getting them wrong will change the meaning of your sentence. For example:
  • All amphibians are thriving in the new pond; e.g., the two bullfrogs were being very active yesterday.
    • (This sentence is fine grammatically. From it, we infer that there are more amphibians than two bullfrogs in the pond.)
  • All amphibians are thriving in the new pond; i.e., the two bullfrogs were being very active yesterday.
    • (This sentence is fine grammatically. We infer that the only amphibians in the pond are the two bullfrogs.)

Remembering "e.g." and "i.e."

This may assist in remembering:
  • e.g. = "example given"
  • i.e. = "in effect"

Formatting "e.g." and "i.e."

There is a wide range of acceptable formats with e.g. and i.e.

Comma before e.g. or i.e.
  • He directs a variety of genres, e.g., crime, disaster, drama, fantasy.
    • (Note: If you use a comma before, then the text that follows should not be a standalone sentence. This is called a run-on error. You can avoid this by using a semicolon or starting a new sentence.)
Semicolon before e.g. or i.e.
  • He directs a variety of genres; e.g., he directs crime, disaster, drama, and fantasy.
    • (Note: A semicolon is appropriate when the text that follows is a standalone sentence.)
Brackets with e.g. or i.e.
  • He directs a variety of genres (e.g., crime, disaster, drama, fantasy).
A new sentence with e.g. or i.e.
  • He directs a variety of genres. E.g., he directs crime, disaster, drama and fantasy.

The Comma after e.g. or i.e.

In the US, it is usual to follow e.g. or i.e. with a comma. It is less common in the UK. There is leniency in all conventions. The golden rule is be consistent.

e.g./i.e. or eg/ie?

It is usual to see periods (full stops)) with e.g. and i.e. However, you can write them without. The golden rule is be consistent.

Don't use "etc." after "e.g."

It is inappropriate to use etc. after e.g. since it is understood that you are only offering a partial list by way of example. For example:
  • Mark needs gloves to handle live fishing bait (e.g., rag worm, lug worm, crab, etc.).
    • (The use of "e.g." is correct, but the use of "etc." is unnecessary.)

A Video Summary

Here is a short video summarizing the difference between i.e. and e.g..

Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.

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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose?
Glossary of easily confused words Glossary of common errors Glossary of grammatical terms Abbreviations