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"eg" or "ie"?
"eg" or "ie"?
What is the difference between "eg" and "ie"?- "Eg" means "for example" (from the Latin exempli gratia).
- "Ie" means "in other words" or "that is" (from the Latin id est).


More about "eg" and "ie"
The abbreviations "eg" (often written "e.g.") comes from the Latin exempli gratia) and "ie" (often written "i.e.") comes from the Latin id est. Confusion arises between these words because they are both used to clarify something previously mentioned in a sentence. However, they are not the same.Infographic explaining "eg" and "ie"
Here is an infographic explaining "eg" and "ie":
eg
The abbreviation "eg" is used to provide an example.Example Sentences with "eg"
- You can choose any of the first three letters of the alphabet (eg, B).
- The buffet provided excellent variety, eg, vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups, Italian and French breads, and numerous sweets.
- He was the school champion of many activities (eg, chess, badminton, 110m hurdles, and high jump).
i.e.
The abbreviation "ie" is used to restate an idea more clearly or offer more information. (It can usually be substituted with in other words.)Example Sentences with "ie"
- You can choose any of the first three letters of the alphabet (ie, A, B, or C).
- It happened in August, i.e., two months ago.
- It happened in August, e.g., two months ago.
- Service charge is included in all prices; ie, you don't have to leave a tip.
Getting Them Wrong
If you confuse "eg" and "ie," your sentence will still likely be grammatically correct. However, getting them wrong will change the meaning of your sentence. For example:- All amphibians are thriving in the new pond; eg, the two bullfrogs were being very active yesterday.
- All amphibians are thriving in the new pond; ie, the two bullfrogs were being very active yesterday.
Remembering "eg" and "ie"
This may assist in remembering:- eg = "example given"
- ie = "in effect"
Formatting "eg" and "ie"
There is a wide range of acceptable formats with "eg" and "ie"Comma before "eg" and "ie"
- He directs a variety of genres, eg, crime, disaster, drama, fantasy.
- He directs a variety of genres; eg, he directs crime, disaster, drama, and fantasy.
- He directs a variety of genres (eg, crime, disaster, drama, fantasy).
- He directs a variety of genres. Eg, he directs crime, disaster, drama and fantasy.
The Comma after "eg" and "ie".
In the US, it is usual to follow "eg" or "ie" 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 "eg" and "ie." However, you can write them without (as we have done on this page). The golden rule is be consistent.Don't use "etc." after "eg"
It is inappropriate to use "etc." after "eg" 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 (eg, rag worm, lug worm, crab, etc.).
A Video Summary
Here is a short video summarizing the difference between "ie" 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.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?